AUSTIN (KXAN) — As Central Texas gears up for a day of Halloween festivities, public safety experts warn of a scary statistic: children are twice as likely to be hit by a car on Halloween than on any other day of the year.
KXAN spoke to national nonprofit Kids and Car Safety on how they’re bringing awareness to parents and caregivers.
“[Kids] are focused on candy and fun. The last thing on their minds is safety, so this is a night when we need to be extra cautious,” Kids and Car Safety Director Amber Rollins said.
Rollins said children under five are most at risk of being hit by a car, but any child under the age of 12 should be supervised while trick-or-treating.
Safety tips for kids
Kids and Car Safety reports that low lighting and lack of visibility are key factors in Halloween-related accidents.
Rollins said children should be reminded that drivers cannot always see them, and should keep an eye out for cars that are turning or backing up.
Tips to keep your child safe include:
- Children should wear reflective gear on costumes and bags
- Wear light and bright colors to easily be spotted by drivers
- Consider carrying glow sticks and flashlights
- Avoid masks that cover a child’s face and limits vision
- Walk on sidewalks or walking paths
Safety tips for drivers
Rollins advised drivers to stay off the roads if you can this Halloween.
“If you are out driving, go extra slow,” she said. “You’ve got to be prepared for children to pop out and run into the street from anywhere. If there are bushes or cars parked along the side of the street, this can block your view of a child that’s about to enter the roadway.”
Tip for drivers include:
- Keep your phone down and head up
- Drive extra cautiously and slowly
- Expect children to dart out from anywhere, especially on back roads and in neighborhoods
- If you notice a drunk driver, contact law enforcement
“We know what kids are doing on Halloween, they’re running wild,” Rollins said. “You’ve got to be extra careful. Keep your eyes peeled. Have your passengers help you watch for children, but just stay home if you can do that.”
For other Halloween safety tips, you can read more from the Austin Police Department.
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