Be Safe This Halloween!

Trick-or-Treating in front of Madison J. Photography Studios in Dandridge – Photo by Scott Johnson, Madison J. Photography

Well over 40 million trick or treaters are expected to out this year, dressed to bewitch and looking for candy. Over 115 million homes, churches and businesses in the United States will be welcoming them and doling out candy. Even the White House gets into the action, hosting an annual Halloween celebration for lucky children.

With so many children going door to door seeking a surgery confection, safety is a concern. According to a recent survey on Safe Kids, around 75% of parents expressed safety concerns associated with Halloween but only 25% talk to their children about safety measures to keep safe. Road safety is paramount everyday, but most especially on Halloween when twice as many children are killed while walking than any other day of the year. Trick or Treaters should be accompanied by an adult and should stick to sidewalks and yards when possible. Drivers need to take extra precautions during this busy time and it is important for children and drivers to watch driveway traffic. Sometimes it is difficult to see while backing up and children should always be aware of driveway traffic. Although only 18% of trick or treaters use reflective tape, it is highly recommended to increase the visibility of the child.

Adults should inspect all candy and remember to limit treats to those that are commercially wrapped and from homes that the adult is familiar. Trick or Treating in a group is suggested and caution should be used around flames and luminaries.

Inclement weather is predicted for Halloween this year and trick or treaters should dress accordingly. Wet, leaf laden streets can make driving hazardous and extra caution should be exercised by both drivers and pedestrians.