The Scary Truth is That, Nationally, Children Are More Than 2X as Likely to Be Hit By a Car & Killed On Halloween Than Any Other Day of the Year; ACS, Red Cross Urge Extra Precaution

New York, NY - With Halloween right around the corner, the NYC Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) and the American Red Cross today shared important tips to help keep trick-or-treaters in New York City safe. According to the National Safety Council, across the country, children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween than on any other day of the year. Ahead of Halloween, ACS and the American Red Cross urge parents to make sure trick-or-treaters can see and be seen, ensure children trick or treat in groups, ensure children walk only on the sidewalk, never go inside someone’s home and more. 

“This Halloween, we want kids across the City to have fun but also be safe,” said Commissioner David A. Hansell. “From choosing the right costume, to planning a trick-or-treat route in advance, packing a flashlight, and more, there’s lots of ways to ensure kids stay safe this Halloween. ACS is proud to partner with the American Red Cross on this important safety initiative.”

“A fun Halloween is a safe Halloween. As we prepare for Halloween with our kids, we want to make sure that kids and families alike are aware of the safety risks that trick or treating poses,” said Susan Rounds, Interim CEO, American Red Cross in Greater NY. “Thank you to ACS for helping us get this important message out.”

Whether you are trick-or-treating door-to-door, passing out treats at home, or simply driving through the neighborhood, New Yorkers should follow these Halloween Safety Tips: 

Make sure trick-or-treaters can see and be seen.

• Use face makeup instead of masks. Masks can make it hard to see.
• Give kids a flashlight to light their way.
• Have everyone wear light-colored clothing. Add reflective tape to costumes and trick-or-treat bags so kids are easier to see in the dark.
• Use flame-resistant costumes.

Children should trick or treat in groups, never alone.

• Plan the trick-or-treat route in advance.
• Make sure adults know where their children are going.
• A parent or responsible adult should accompany young children door-to-door in neighborhoods.

Walk only on the sidewalks, not in the street.

• Walk, don’t run.
• Look both ways before crossing the street, and cross only at the corner.
• Don’t cross between parked cars.
• Never walk through alleys or cut across yards. Only cross the street in designated crosswalks.
• Adults should use extra caution if driving. Trick-or-treaters are excited and may forget to look both ways before crossing.

Accept treats at the door – never go inside.

• It’s not only vampires and monsters children have to look out for. Be cautious around animals, especially dogs.

Make sure a grown-up checks the goodies before eating.

• Make sure to remove loose candy, open packages and choking hazards.
• Discard any items with brand names that you are not familiar with.

Leave the pumpkin carving to adults.

• Small children should never carve pumpkins. Instead, let them draw a face with markers.
• Use a flashlight or glowstick to light the pumpkin instead of a candle.