KALAMAZOO (WKZO-AM) -- It’s time for Halloween, and while the scariest thing most adults may be dealing with is next week’s Presidential election, for children it's the dangers they face if they go trick or treating.
AAA of Michigan says it can be one of the deadliest nights of the year, primarily for children, pedestrians and zombies because there are so many more are wandering the neighborhoods.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says 52% of all fatalities on Halloween night are alcohol related, and State Police say it is closer to 60% in Michigan.
The combination of drunks at the wheel and kids in the street is about as scary as it gets.
Deb Carpenter with the Safe Kids Coalition says adding to the danger in recent years is the additional distraction caused by smart phones. “I want to especially alert the younger drivers of those types of distractions, because kids are so distracted on Halloween night that they become pretty unpredictable in their behavior, and so they aren’t always crossing at street corners and they aren’t always looking both ways.”
She says it’s very important that young and inexperienced drivers drive carefully, and be extra careful when backing out of driveways.
She she says that’s good advice for everyone whether it’s the kids, the parents who accompany them or drivers of whatever age to take the cellphone but don’t use it.
She says the rules on costumes are fairly simple. Light bright colors are best, reflective tape and glow sticks are a good idea. They are available at many stores this time of the year.
Non-toxic make-up is always better than masks because masks can obstruct eyesight. Dress appropriate for the weather, which this year should be mild, dry but breezy.
Parents should always accompany younger children and have a flashlight handy.
Older kids who go out with friends should tell their parents what route they plan to take and they should be given a time when they are expected to return.
Carpenter says before they go, all children should be briefed and reminded about the dangers of crossing streets and reminded of basic safety precautions.
It’s also important to add that it’s not a good idea to go running across strange yards in the dark because you never know what may be there. It’s also important that they not get into their candy bags before they get home and the items can be inspected. While incidents of tampering are actually very rare, it never hurts to be careful.
Different communities have different times they suggest when trick or treaters should be out, and its usually in the late afternoon and early evening before it gets really dark. Many commuities are mum on the subject on the advice of attorneys, who don't want to take on the liability of even suggest what night trick or treating should occur.
Homeowners will want to provide a clear and illuminated pathway to the front door and keep candle-lit pumpkins away from walkways and on staircases, where flowing costumes might be ignited.
Scary is what Halloween is supposed to be all about, but because of witches, goblins and vampires and not because of drunk and distracted drivers and other real life horrors.
