MADISON, Wis. – Many traditional Halloween celebrations are back this year. Health experts believe being outdoors in small groups is a safe way for children to resume a traditional night of trick-or-treating.
Last year, most Halloween events were canceled given the high COVID-19 case numbers and the COVID-19 vaccine was not yet available.
Given that many children and families will be out trick-or-treating this year after staying home last year, parents and families should be thinking about safety more than ever, according to Rishelle Eithun, program manager for injury prevention, UW Health Kids.
“Kids love this time of year. It can be an important part of their childhood, but it can also be dangerous,” said Eithun. “It is a sobering statistic but, according to Safe Kids Worldwide, on average, children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween than any other day of the year.
Top Tips for Halloween Safety from UW Health Kids Injury Prevention
- Drivers should slow down and be alert. Kids are excited on Halloween and may dart into the street. Turn on headlights early in the day to spot kids from further away.
- Trick-or-treaters should carry glow sticks or flashlights, use reflective tape or stickers on costumes and bags, and wear light colors to help kids see and be seen by drivers.
- Parents should join kids under age 12 for trick-or-treating.
- Remind kids to cross the street at corners or crosswalks.
- When selecting a costume, make sure it is the right size to prevent trips and falls.
- Use face paints instead of masks when possible. Masks can limit children’s vision.
A recorded interview with Eithun is available and she is also available for interviews.
