Halloween is supposed to be dark, spooky and scary. But it should be fun scary, not dangerous scary, and there is difference between jumping high from a sudden “BOOO!” and getting hurt and landing in the ER. A link to a Washington Post article on why Halloween is so dangerous to kids landed in our inbox the other day and they the got it surprisingly right. Traffic and cars are BY FAR the biggest danger to kids on Halloween and that year-around infrastructure improvements are needed to keep wakers and bicyclists safe on Halloween and all other days of the year.
However, today’s trick-or-treating kids will not wait for years to have safer streets, so how do you help your kids (teens included!) be safe on Halloween right now? Here are our Halloween Safety Tips for 2022:
1. Use safety reflectors. At least two (front and back – or – left and right), preferably more and let them dangle.
2. Talk traffic safety with your kids – start BEFORE Halloween, or even better, discuss traffic safety with your kids year-around.
3. Be a good role model: Follow traffic rules both when walking and driving and wear safety reflectors when out and about after dark.
4. Remind drivers of all ages about trick-or-treaters and about the importance of putting away distractions while driving and keeping to the speed limit.
Stylish Safety Reflectors
We believe safety reflectors should be as stylish and fun as costumes, makeup and other Halloween accessories. Therefore, we have over the years expanded our collection of ghosts and jack O’Lantern safety reflectors to also include skulls, ninjas, which hats, bats and cats. And then of course any of our other reflectors might be a good fit depending on the costume theme. If you are a parent accompanying your kids and want something sleeker than a ghost, get some safety reflectors that are designed with grown-ups in mind here!
