Halloween night brings excitement to neighborhoods across Northern Nevada, but it also creates a dangerous environment for young trick‑or‑treaters. The American Red Cross of Northern Nevada is urging both drivers and families to adopt a handful of practical safety measures to keep the evening fun and accident‑free.

Why Halloween is riskier for children

Research published in JAMA Pediatrics shows that pedestrian fatalities rise 43% on Halloween compared with other evenings. Children ages 4 to 8 are ten times more likely to be struck and killed by a vehicle that night, based on a 42‑year analysis of National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data.

Key times and locations

The danger peaks around 6 p.m., when more children are on the streets and daylight is fading. Kids may dart out from between parked cars or cross streets unexpectedly, making them harder for drivers to see.

Advice for drivers

“Kids are excited about Halloween, and it’s easy for them to forget about the cars around them,” said Bridget Posson, executive director of the American Red Cross Northern Nevada Chapter. “We want families to enjoy trick‑or‑treating and get home safely. A few simple precautions can help prevent a serious accident.”

Drivers should:

• Slow down in residential neighborhoods, especially between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.
• Turn on headlights at dusk and keep them on through the evening.
• Approach stop signs, intersections and crosswalks with extra caution.
• Put phones away and avoid any distractions while driving.
• Consider alternate routes that bypass the busiest trick‑or‑treating areas.
• Never drive while impaired.

Tips for children and their families

Parents can make their youngsters more visible by dressing them in reflective clothing, using glow sticks, flashlights, or attaching reflective tape to costumes. Walking, rather than running, and using sidewalks whenever possible also reduces risk. When sidewalks are unavailable, children should walk on the left side of the road facing traffic.

Costume safety matters, too. Outfits should fit properly and not obstruct vision. Face paint can be a safer alternative to masks that block sight.

Stay focused while walking

Just as drivers can be distracted, pedestrians can also lose attention to phones. Adults supervising children should keep their eyes on traffic and encourage kids to do the same.

By combining cautious driving with visible, careful walking, Northern Nevada communities can enjoy a Halloween that remains a celebration rather than a tragedy.

Original reporting: 2news.com — read the source article.