Children and Halloween Accidents

The Center for Disease Control says that children are four times more likely to be involved in a car/pedestrian car accident on Halloween than any other day of the year.  (Vincent Iannelli, M.D.)  





These statistics make sense but are senseless:  

• it gets darker sooner
• children are running around getting free candy
• children are often in costumes that are dark or do not have reflective colors on them
• children often wear masks and cannot "see" enough
• the list is endless of why

What can we do about it:

• Spread the word about the need for drivers to drive SLOW and pay extra attention
• PUT DOWN the cell phone
• Parents:  Drive or walk with your children trick or treating
• TALK to your children about safety
• Walk in large groups and cross the streets quickly and together
• Older children hold the hand of younger children AT ALL TIMES.  (This should be done when any young child crosses the street at anytime of the year)

I also want to suggest that children do not go out trick or treating during "rush hour" of people coming home from work.  Most people get off work at 5:00 PM, and let's be honest we are all tired when we come home from work.  Even though it is darker at 6:30 PM their will be less "non trick or treater vehicles) on the road.  There are also many Adult Halloween parties happening so try to be done with trick or treating by 8:00 PM. 

If we all spread the word, talk about the dangers with each other and our children, proceed with caution we can reduce the number of children hurt on Halloween by car accidents.

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