Trick or treat? How to keep the kids safe on Halloween

On Halloween, there'll there be lots of children walking the streets dressed up as ghosts, witches and goblins. Scary they may be, but most parents' fears are based on something far more down to earth: the safety of their children.

According to the Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions (DTLR), every day more than 10 children are killed or seriously injured as a result of road accidents. In fact, road-specific incidents are the leading cause of accidental injury or death among children and young people in Britain.

In addition, we turn the clocks back on 28th October, so it will be getting dark earlier on Hallowe'en evening.

'This is a particularly dangerous time of year for road safety as drivers are trying to get used to darker nights, reduced visibility and inclement weather,' says Roger Vincent, Senior Press Officer for the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA). There is usually an increase in motor accidents at this time of year and children are among the most vulnerable,' he adds.

Despite these disturbing statistics, there's no reason to panic. The key is preparing yourself and your children for potential dangers. Follow these guidelines to make sure your children have a safe Hallowe'en experience both on and off the road:

• Educate your children about the risks of being on the road, and accompany them trick or treating if necessary. Don't overestimate your child's ability to negotiate traffic independently. For older children, an adult escort may not be necessary, but ensure that they go out in groups of at least three.
• Plan your child's trick or treat route in a well-known, well-lit neighbourhood.
• A little torch is a good idea for those dark streets or gardens - it will also help add to the atmosphere of the occasion.

• Make sure your children wear bright, reflective or fluorescent clothing to make them more conspicuous to cars and other pedestrians. Scotchlite reflective trims are now incorporated into children's clothing and accessory ranges by most high street shops.
• Encourage your children to use face paint instead of wearing a mask. If your child does have a mask, make sure it fits properly and the holes for eyes and ears don't obscure vision or hearing.
• Children should avoid wearing long, baggy costumes, or oversized shoes to reduce the likelihood of tripping.
• Tell your kids to stay on the pavement and instruct them to cross the street only at zebra or pelican crossings and in well-lit areas. Make sure they are familiar with the Green Cross Code and aware that cars don't necessarily stop just because someone is on the road.
• Be aware that drivers may find it harder to see you in the dark.
• Under no circumstance should children enter the house of a stranger when trick or treating.

In addition to sharing these tips with your children, check out DTLR's new website www.hedgehogs.gov.uk, launching on 18th October in conjunction with their 'Be Safe, Be Seen' campaign aimed at children between ages 7 and 11. As part of this initiative, this new site will include interactive games that teach kids about road safety and awareness.

Order a free copy of the new junior Highway Code booklet Arrive Alive, which includes road safety tips, by ringing 0870 1226 236.