Teach Children Good Crosswalk Safety
With kids going back to school and Halloween around the corner it is important to remember key safety tips. More children are hit by cars on Halloween than any other single night. To help be visible especially when it is getting dark, trick-or-treaters can wear brightly colored costumes or carry flashlights and glowsticks. Children should always be accompanied by an adult at all times and reminded to use crosswalks instead of crossing in the middle of streets.
Teach children good cross walk safety. Look left, right and then left again before crossing a street despite there being a crossing signal up. Even if a driver seems like they are going to stop, make sure that they see you and make eye contact with them, so you know they are aware of you. Wait until the car is completely stopped before you start crossing the street. You should not cross the street from behind a parked car or other obstacle as it will obstruct the drivers view of you. Crosswalks should always be used instead of walking in a street if that can be avoided. If you have to be out at night wear reflective clothing or carry a flashlight to make yourself visible to cars. Walk in well-lit areas when possible. Keep phones down and music low as to not get distracted while walking.
Ensure that costumes don’t have long tails or pieces that can be tripped over as well as that masks and face paint aren’t occluding visibility. Other important costume tips to remember are to check that costumes are fire resistant and to be careful around jack-o-lanterns that contain candles. It safer to use battery operated candles as decoration to avoid anything catching on fire. Small children should not handle knives or sharp objects carving pumpkins. Children with food allergies should have an adult check all candy before it is consumed to ensure there are no allergens present.
Following these simple steps will ensure your child has fun but safe Halloween.
Hannah Pearl BSN RN CPN
Boston Children’s Hospital
