Don’t turn Halloween boo into boo-hoo

Don’t give them a nasty trick.

No one wants the holiday magic to turn tragic, so remain careful driving through neighborhoods and near churches and other venues where fall festivals might be taking place.

Small children in dark costumes are easy to miss until it’s too late.

Events such as Halloween or traditional fall festivals should be filled with fun, frolic and   frivolity. Everyone — kids, parents and motorists — who is out Friday night should do their part to observe safety rules and allow common sense to be their guide.

If you’re worried about your child being on the street, even in a group, take another spooktacular approach: see a movie, attend an indoor Halloween event or even stay home and throw a party.

According to Safe Kids Central Texas, accidental deaths from injury are the leading killers of children under 14. No one wants that to happen here.

The nonprofit offers these tips for a safe and happy Halloween:

Children under age 10 should not trick-or-treat without an adult. If they are old enough, have them go in a group and stay on a predetermined route that is well lit.

Parents should also remind their children to:

n Cross streets safely. Cross at a corner, using traffic signals and crosswalks. Try to make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of them. Look left, right and left again when crossing, and keep looking as you cross. Walk, don’t run, across the street.

n Walk on well-lit sidewalks or paths. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible. Children should walk in familiar areas with minimal street crossings.

n Be a safe pedestrian around cars. Watch for cars that are turning or backing up. Never dart out into the street or cross between parked cars.

Drivers also need to do their part to keep trick-or-treaters safe from harm.

n Be especially alert.  Remember that popular trick-or-treating hours are during the typical rush-hour period between 5:30-9:30 p.m.

n Not so fast.  Slow down and anticipate heavier than usual pedestrian traffic. 

n Keep your lights on.  Be sure to drive with your full headlights on so you can spot children from greater distances.

Parents, guardians and chaperons also need to remember that other hazards in addition to traffic exist for trick-or-treaters.

Parents must check treats for choking hazards or signs of tampering before children are allowed to eat them. 

Safe Kids Central Texas suggests that parents look for non-flammable costumes and non-toxic designations when choosing Halloween makeup and make sure their children wear well-fitting, sturdy shoes to prevent trips and falls.  

Children can also wear costumes with reflective surfaces and someone in the group should have a flashlight handy.

Young trick-or-treaters should only go to residences where they know the inhabitants and there are outside lights turned  on as a sign of welcome.

Sure, Halloween is supposed to be frightful — in a fun way.  However, parents shouldn’t have to be scared about the safety of their children.