Halloween is the Most Dangerous Day of the Year for Kids Walking
Friday, October 14, 2016
At Halloween annually there are an estimated 6,100 pedestrian deaths and 160,000 injuries. These tragic events occurred among trick-or-treaters as a result of auto incidents, according to Injury Facts 2015, the statistical report on unintentional injuries created by the National Safety Council.
Halloween is supposed to be a just a little scary, but the numbers of incidents will make ones hairs stand on end. Police urge parents and kids take extra precautions to stay safe during the spooky holiday.
Halloween is the deadliest day of the year for young pedestrians, with twice as many deaths as on a typical day, according to auto insurer State Farm. Kids ages 12 to 18 are the most at risk because they are typically roaming the streets without any parental supervision.
The American Academy of Pediatrics urges parents to take the following steps to help ensure safety:
· Plan costumes that are bright and reflective. Make sure that shoes fit well and that costumes are short enough to prevent tripping, entanglement or contact with flame.
· Consider adding reflective tape or striping to costumes and trick-or-treat bags for greater visibility.
· Because masks can limit or block eyesight, consider non-toxic makeup and decorative hats as safer alternatives. Hats should fit properly to prevent them from sliding over eyes.
· When shopping for costumes, wigs and accessories look for and purchase those with a label clearly indicating they are flame resistant.
· If a sword, cane, or stick is a part of your child's costume, make sure it is not sharp or too long -- child may be easily hurt by these accessories if he stumbles or trips.
For everyone’s sake, please take extra efforts to keep children safe.
David Tapalian has lived in the Rhode Island and Massachusetts area his entire life. He is a graduate of Brown University, located in Providence, R.I. While at Brown, Mr. Tapalian earned a Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy and American Institutions. Upon graduation from Brown University, Mr. Tapalian then received a Juris Doctorate degree from Roger Williams University School of Law.
Related Articles
- Halloween Freebie: Treats and Tricks at Old Sturbridge Village
- Made In Worcester: Terrifying Halloween Decorations
- Great Halloween Events in Central Mass. + Beyond
- Moms Can Do’s: Halloween Fun For Little Ones
- Newport Manners & Etiquette: Halloween Dos + Don’ts
- Worcester’s Family Businesses: Halloween Outlet
- Stay Safe: Halloween is “Deadliest Day” for Child Pedestrian Deaths
- Best Halloween Bar Parties
- Halloween Fun for Families With Your WOO Card
- GETTING OUT: The Best Halloween Parties in Central Mass
- Family Matters: Making Halloween Safe
- How To Celebrate An Affordable Halloween In Central Mass.
- Getting Out: Best Halloween Bar Parties in Central MA 2013
- Tips for Staying Healthy on Halloween
- Newport Manners & Etiquette: Burial Mishap + Halloween
- Senator Moore Urges Safety on Halloween
- Ask a Bartender: What Cocktails Should I Have at My Halloween Party?
- Worcester Police Host Halloween Party, Offer Safety Tips
- Best Halloween Events in New England
- See Halloween Band Bash at the Worcester PopUp With Your Woo Card
- 11 Ways To Help Kids Curb Their Halloween Candy Crazy
- Catch a Halloween Show With Your WOO Card
- Make Your Own Halloween Mask at Worcester Center for Crafts with Your Woo Card
- Auburn and Greendale Mall to Host Halloween Events
- 25 Inappropriate and Just Wrong Halloween Costumes
Follow us on Pinterest Google + Facebook Twitter See It Read It