Halloween is almost here, but it can quickly turn scary unless safety is taken seriously.
Local agencies say parents should make sure kids stay visible both in the earlier hours of the evening when it's still light out and once the sun sets.
Research shows that Halloween carries a lot higher risk of pedestrians being hit and killed by cars.
“We see about a 43% increase in pedestrians being struck by cars on Halloween night,” said Bridget Posson, Executive Director of the American Red Cross of Northern Nevada. “The greatest risk is around 6 p.m. when most folks are out trick-or-treating; the sunlight is turning into darkness. We want to make sure that kids are safe and families are safe.”
“If they do have costumes, even if they're dressing up as a ghost or Scream, something scary, and they're wearing a darker costume, please try to put some reflective stuff on there,” said Hunter Mercurio with the Reno Police. “If you're walking in the streets, have some glow sticks so that people can see you while you're walking out and about.”
Both agencies encourage families to stay on the sidewalk and use crosswalks and ask drivers to go slow, be patient with pedestrians, and avoid driving in busier neighborhoods if it can be helped.
Reno Police also suggest kids only trick-or-treat at homes with their exterior lights on and some decorations out, because they're more likely to be participating in the holiday.
Red Cross has several more tips for drivers, including:
Turn on Headlights Early: Turn on headlights at dusk to make vehicles easier for trick-or-treaters and other drivers to see.
Stay Focused: Put phones away and watch for children, especially in busy neighborhoods.
Never Drive Impaired: Use a designated driver or another safe ride home.
They also shared tips for pedestrians:
Walk, Don’t Run: Walking instead of running gives drivers more time to see children and react.
Choose Safe Costumes: Make sure kids’ costumes fit properly and do not block their vision. Face paint can be a safer option than masks.
Limit Distractions: Put phones away and pay attention to traffic while walking or supervising children.
