SALT LAKE CITY (KUTV) — Halloween brings excitement for children and families, but it also marks the most dangerous night of the year for young pedestrians.
Each Halloween, the Journal of the American Medical Association says young children are 10 times more likely to be hit by cars on Halloween than on any other night. The journal found pedestrian fatalities are 43 percent higher on Halloween compared with other evenings.
Red Cross leaders in Utah say that level of danger is not something to ignore.
MORE | Halloween
“Lots of kiddos, it’s an exciting, it’s a fun time for the kiddos, challenging for parents sometimes, but it’s also a dangerous time,” said Heidi Ruster, regional CEO for the Red Cross in Utah and Nevada.
“Well, sure, it’s dark. The kiddos are in the road; they don’t necessarily know the neighborhood,” Ruster said.
She emphasized that many drivers are not thinking about the influx of children out on foot.
“It’s still a normal street; people are doing their everyday activities. Some folks don’t have little kiddos at home, so Halloween isn’t a big deal, and they’re not thinking about those things,” Ruster said. “So, you’ve got to have a defensive posture, right, when you’re out and about and make sure that everybody’s safe,” she said.
The American Red Cross reports that children ages 4 to 8 are especially at risk.
“Kiddos ages 4 to 8 are 10 times more likely to be struck, so that age range is something to really pay attention to,” Ruster said.
To reduce the danger, the Red Cross has tips for both drivers and families. For drivers, the recommendations include:
- Slow down and stay patient, especially at stop signs and crosswalks.
- Turn on headlights early to improve visibility.
- Put phones away and stay focused, especially in neighborhoods with lots of kids.
- Avoid busy neighborhoods if possible between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.
- Never drive impaired or distracted.
For trick-or-treaters and families, the recommendations include:
- Stay visible by using reflective costumes, glow sticks or flashlights.
- Walk, don’t run, and cross the street only at crosswalks or intersections.
- Stick to sidewalks and walk facing traffic if no sidewalks are available.
- Make sure costumes fit well and don’t block vision.
- Use face paint instead of masks for better visibility.
- Keep phones away to stay alert near traffic.
Families have already begun putting safety advice into practice. Chad Wachter and his family, who were out trick-or-treating early, shared their approach.
“We have our lightsabers,” Wachter said. His family also plans to “travel in groups” and use high-visibility items.
“We have HiViz pumpkins or HiViz bags and yeah, we’re hanging out,” he said.
______
Source: kutv.com
