NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — On Halloween, injuries can be just as scary as ghosts and ghouls but are much more real. Pedestrian accidents, falls, burns and poisonings are just a few of the common injuries that occur on this particular night. The good news is they are preventable.
"It's getting darker earlier," Sage said. "Children are out on the streets, walking on sidewalks and crossing streets at a time of day that is not typical for us to see. They may be in dark costumes. They're very excited and distracted."
Because the trick-or-treaters are distracted, drivers must be extra vigilant.
"Drivers have the responsibility to slow down and be especially alert in our residential neighborhoods," Sage said. "Children are really excited. They are thinking about the next house they are going to go to. They may move in very unpredictable ways. You just need to be prepared for that. That also means you need to eliminate any distractions in your car. Please put those cell phones down and make sure that you're really looking at the road in front of you and your surroundings, that you're paying particular attention as you are turning at intersections or entering and exiting driveways or going through any alleyways. Really be on alert for those kids."
Review safety rules with your kids before they leave the house. Trick-or-treaters are often out when it’s dark and more difficult for drivers to see them. Children younger than age 12 should not be crossing streets alone on Halloween without an adult or responsible teenager.
"We also want to make sure that kids and drivers don't even have a lot of opportunity to interact," Sage said. "Make sure kids are staying on the sidewalk whenever possible. Remind them not to cut through yards. There might be hazards in their lawn that they may not be able to see at night and be aware of. Stick to the sidewalk. If you don't have sidewalks where you are walking, then make sure that you are walking toward traffic, so people can see your face and walk as close to the side of the road as possible."
Remind children to be careful with candy. It’s hard to resist the temptation to dive right into treats, but it is best to check sweets before children are allowed to eat them. Only eat treats in original and unopened wrappers. Also, be aware kids are in a candy-seeking mode, so keep medicine locked up and away and keep the Poison Help number programmed into your phone. That number is 800-222-1222.