How to ensure a safe Halloween night in the Upstate

As Halloween approaches, many Upstate families find themselves bouncing around and putting the last-minute touches on costumes. While the holiday provides a lot of enjoyment for many children and adults, it’s important to keep some safety tips in the back of your mind when you go out.

According to Safe Kids Worldwide, an international nonprofit dedicated to protecting kids from preventable injuries, children are more than twice as likely to be hit and killed by a car on Halloween than any other day of the year. There are ways to prevent these deaths, both as a parent and as a driver, on Halloween night.

Safe Kids Worldwide, the Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration all have informative pages on their websites detailing how to stay safe while enjoying Halloween. Here’s a breakdown of best practices your family can implement this year.

For Parents of Trick-or-Treaters:

1. Ensure your child’s costume is non-flammable and does not obstruct their ability to move or see. 

2. Make sure your child is visible by giving them reflective clothing or accessories.

3. Research which neighborhoods are welcoming trick-or-treaters beforehand, and only approach houses that are clearly celebrating Halloween.

4. As the adult, wear bright colors and avoid wearing masks so that your child can easily identify you.

5. Keep an eye on your child, and ensure an adult in your party knows their location at all times.

For All Pedestrians:

1. Obey all traffic signals and use crosswalks when walking through neighborhoods. Be aware of cars on the road.

2. Use pedestrian sidewalks when available, and try to always walk in the direction of oncoming traffic.

3. Create a buddy system so that no one in your party is left alone. Check in on who you went out with throughout the night.

4. Pay attention when walking — putting your phone down and keeping your head up.

5. Wear reflective clothing to ensure you are visible.

6. Bring an extra flashlight in case your phone runs out of battery.

For Drivers:

1. Be alert for trick-or-treaters and other pedestrians.

2. Stay under posted speed limits and use your high beams to see clearly.

3. If possible, roll down your windows so you can listen for pedestrians near the road.

4. If you consume an alcoholic beverage during the night, do not drive for any reason. Before drinking, choose a designated driver or schedule a rideshare service.

According to the Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System, peak hours for trick-or-treating are between 5:30 and 9:30 p.m. For more information on Halloween safety, visit their website, or view resources from Safe Kids Worldwide and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.