15 Halloween Safety Tips for Trick-or-Treaters

BAY CITY, Mich. – Halloween is one of the most exciting and fun times of the year, but it can also be very dangerous for trick-or-treaters. The National Safety Council estimates that children are twice as likely to be involved in vehicle accidents on Halloween than any other day of the year. However, with proper planning and precautionary measures, you and your little monsters can enjoy a worry-free holiday. Follow these 15 Halloween safety tips for trick-or-treaters to maximize your candy count while keeping you and your family safe while you take to the streets.

1. Accompany Your Trick-or-Treaters: Going along with your kids as they trick-or-treat will allow you to monitor them. Responsible adults should always accompany their younger children.
2. Plan Your Route in Advance: Walking from street to street can take a lot out of you. Mapping out your path before you go will help you avoid sore legs or getting lost.
3. Agree on a Return Time: Usually, neighborhoods will have a curfew or time to let you know when it is time to head home, but you should still plan on a time to return home. You don't want to be out all night!
4. Avoid Wearing Masks: Masks can obstruct your child's vision and, in some instances, can make it difficult to breathe. If you can, use non-toxic makeup to complete their costume!
5. Wear Comfy Shoes: Since you'll probably be walking from street to street, you'll want to make sure that you and your children are in comfortable shoes. Double knot your laces to avoid tripping!
6. Use Reflective Tape: Reflective tape will allow drivers on the road to better see your child as they navigate the streets at night. Use it on their costume or candy bag to help make them more visible. If possible, bring along a flashlight as well! 
7. Put the Phone Down: Keep electronic usage to a minimum while you're out and about, if possible. You never know when your child might dart out into the road, and it's better to be paying attention if it occurs!
8. Walk on the Sidewalk: Teach your kids to walk on the sidewalk or as far away from driving vehicles as possible. If there aren't any sidewalks for you and your children to stay on, walk facing traffic as far to the left as you can.
9. Use Crosswalks and Traffic Signals: Paying attention and remaining responsible with street rules will maximize your safety while you're trick-or-treating. You should only cross the street when you're given the signal to go.
10. Stay in a Group: If you're trick-or-treating with friends or family, you'll be more noticeable to vehicles on the road. Traveling in groups increases your safety while you're out and about.
11. Charge Your Phone: This might seem like a no-brainer, but in the event of an emergency, a charged phone can make all the difference.
12. Watch Out for Parked Cars: You never know when a car might try to back out of their parking spot. Make sure your child knows to double check before they walk by a parked car!
13. Don't Buy Oversized Costumes: Costumes that are too long on your child can drag and can be extremely dangerous at night. If it's too long, hem it to avoid tripping!
14. Keep Your Lights On: After you leave your home, lock your doors and keep your lights and TV on so that it appears that there's someone in your home on Halloween night. That way, nobody will try breaking in while you're gone.
15. If You See Something, Say Something: If you notice anything suspicious occurring, contact the authorities right away. It's better to be safe than sorry!

On a busy holiday like Halloween, keeping your children safe should be your number one priority. Use these 15 Halloween safety tips for trick-or-treaters to teach your little ghouls and goblins important habits to prevent any Halloween nightmares from occurring. At Graff Bay City, we know that safety behind the wheel is just as important as it is on foot. If you're planning on trick-or-treating out of town this year, you can make the road a much safer place with Chevrolet's advanced safety features. Another way to increase your safety on the road is by keeping up with your Fall Car Care. Important components in your vehicle can be affected by the changing weather, and our Fall Car Care can teach you how to spot damage to your vehicle's components and what you can do to prevent damage from occurring. If you discover that your vehicle may need attention, schedule a service appointment with us online today!

Hank Graff Chevy is located at 3636 Wilder Road, Bay City, MI 48706 and we are here to help our community grow to become an even better place to call home! For more information on Hank Graff Chevrolet, or for any questions call us at (989) 684-4411 or visit our website: www.GraffBayCity.com.

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