• Drive slowly, especially in residential neighborhoods, and be prepared to stop when children are present; know that dark costumes may present a visual challenge for you as you drive.
• Take extra time to look for kids at intersections, on medians and curbs, and around corners. Children are excited on Halloween and may move in unexpected ways.
• Avoid activities that distract your attention while driving such as talking on your cell phone or eating.
• Be very cautious turning into driveways and backing out, especially where hedges and bushes may block your vision.
• Watch for pets that may be running loose.

Trick or Treaters & Neighborhood Safety

• Never trick or treat alone. Young children should always go trick-or-treating with an adult.
• All children should walk, not run, from house to house, and use sidewalks, not roads. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible.
• It’s best to trick-or-treat in familiar neighborhoods with well-lit streets.
• Wear costumes that allow you to be seen by drivers. Choose bright or light-colored clothing; decorate bags and costumes with reflective tape or stickers.
• Use face paint rather than masks or things that will cover your eyes. Costumes should be made of fire-resistant materials; avoid costumes with long, trailing fabric.
• Carry a cell phone with you and light your way with a flashlight.
• Cross the street safely at corners using traffic signals and crosswalks. Look both ways before you cross and keep looking as you walk.
• Watch out for cars that are turning or backing up; don’t dart out into the street or cross in between parked cars.
• Only visit homes that have the porch light on.
• Accept your treats only at the door, and never go into a stranger’s house.
• Beware of jack-o-lanterns lit with candles, which are a fire hazard. It’s safer for households to use battery-operated candles or glow sticks in jack-o-lanterns.
• Have grownups inspect your candy before eating. Don’t eat candy if the package is already opened. Small, hard pieces of candy are a choking hazard for young children.