By NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Cherie Sage with Safe Kids Kansas notes that Halloween can be scary if trick-or-treaters aren't paying attention.
"Children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a vehicle on Halloween," Sage said. "It is the most dangerous night of the year for child pedestrians."
Because of that, Sage believes kids shouldn't trick or treat alone.
"First of all, we recommend that they have a plan," Sage said. "Know where you're going to go, which houses you're going to go to. It's best, if it's a neighborhood, if it's your own neighborhood or a neighborhood you're familiar with. Maybe you know some people that live in that area. Going to homes that you trust is a great idea."
Also, drivers need to be extra vigilant and put their phones away.
"Popular trick-or-treating hours are usually 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.," Sage said. "You should be especially alert for kids around those hours. We need drivers to slow down and be extra alert, especially when they are driving through neighborhoods. They need to really be looking for these young trick-or-treaters."
Children younger than age 12 should not be crossing streets alone on Halloween without an adult or older responsible teenager.