Halloween is the most dangerous day of the year for pedestrians, keep the children safe with these tips

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – Halloween is quickly approaching, and the safety of our local children is of the utmost importance.

The risk of pedestrian fatalities is 43% higher on Halloween compared to any other night, according to the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Children aged 4 to 8 face a 10 times higher risk of being struck and killed compared to other days, according to the Red Cross. 

But there are ways to help protect your children and make them more visible. 

One thing you can do is trick or treat before sundown, which will be around 6 p.m. 

If going out during sunset or dark, children can wear glow sticks on their arms and necks, wear glow in the dark costumes, or have reflector tape added to their costumes.

Drivers should also be extra cautious when driving around trick-or-treaters, going at slower than normal speeds and keeping a close watch on any children near the road that could dart out in front of your car. 

“You’re responsible. You are responsible for your vehicle and you should recognize that there are kids out. And so driving slowly, paying the most attention that you have, put your phone down, whatever it is that you’ve got going on. Keep the distractions down because, again, this will affect you and a lot of other families, too,” said Bowling Green Police Department Public Information Officer Ronnie Ward.

It is also a good idea to carry a flashlight for extra visibility. 

The most important thing a parent can do to keep their children safe on Halloween is to watch them closely and remind them to look before crossing the street.