BOSTON—Halloween can be a fun and exciting time for children of all ages, but it can also be hazardous. The Kiwanis Pediatric Trauma Institute at Tufts Medical Center would like to remind you to stay safe when trick-or-treating.
Despite a recent, major effort by public safety groups, October 31 is still the most dangerous day of the year for child pedestrians. According to the advocacy organization Safe Kids Worldwide, children are twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween than on any other day.
“Halloween is an exciting time for our kids, but traffic and pedestrian safety is essential while children are out at night,” says Dr. Walter Chwals, the Chief of Pediatric Surgery at the Tufts Medical Center. “It should be everyone’s top priority to prevent accidents and ensure a fun evening of trick-or-treating.”
Below are some simple tips to help ensure a safe evening of trick-or-treating.
Being a safe pedestrian:
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ALWAYS look both ways before crossing the street.
- Only cross the street at a corner, or at a crosswalk when available.
- Remember – just because you can see the driver, doesn’t mean they can see you.
- Be aware when crossing a driveway. A car might be trying to pull in or out.
- Use reflective tape on a costume or treat bag to help drivers see you at night.
Other tips:
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Make sure the costume fits. Clothes that are too baggy or masks that are hard to see out of make it harder to walk and make a fall more likely.
- Children under the age of 12 should have adult supervision when trick-or-treating.
- Children over 12 should always trick-or-treat in a group and bring a cell phone to call home in case of a problem.
- Bring a flashlight to illuminate your path and help avoid falls.
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About Tufts Medical Center:
Tufts Medical Center is an exceptional, not-for-profit, 451-bed academic medical center that is home to both a full-service hospital for adults and Tufts Medical Center. Conveniently located in downtown Boston, the Medical Center is the principal teaching hospital for Tufts University School of Medicine. Tufts Medical Center and its Kiwanis Pediatric Trauma Institute offer a comprehensive range of services from prevention and primary care to the most sophisticated treatment of rare and unusual conditions. The hospital’s focus and mission every day is to improve the lives of children and their families. For additional information, please visit www.tuftsmedicalcenter.org or www.floatinghospital.org,and www.kpti.org.
