As Halloween approaches, timely information suggested by AARP Driver Safety Instructor David Stewart is important for all drivers and parents of children to know.

As children take to the streets on Halloween to trick-or-treating, their risk of being injured by motorists increases greatly. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that Halloween is consistently one of the top three days for pedestrian injuries and fatalities, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that children are four times more likely to be struck by a motor vehicle on Halloween than any other day of the year. Because excited trick-or-treaters often forget about safety, motorists and parents must be even more alert.

A news release by Elizabeth Carey, director of public relations and corporate communications at AAA western and central New York, gives important tips for a safe Halloween. Here are AAA’s top tips:

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For motorists

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¯ Slow down in residential neighborhoods and obey all traffic signs and signals. Drive at least 5 mph below the posted speed limit to give yourself extra time to react to children who might dart into the street.

¯ Watch for children walking on roadways and streets in dark costumes. They’ll be harder to see at night.

¯ Look for children crossing the street. They may not be paying attention to traffic and cross the street mid-block or between parked cars.

¯ Carefully enter and exit driveways and alleys.

¯ Turn on your headlights to make your vehicle more visible.

¯ Broaden your scanning by looking for children left and right.

¯ Never drink and drive — not just on Halloween but at all times.

¯ Avoid having your car egged or stolen by parking in a garage or well-lit area.

¯ Double check that car doors are locked and windows up.

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Parents

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¯ Always have an adult or an older, responsible youth supervise young children.

¯ Plan and discuss the route your trick-or-treaters will follow.

¯ Instruct children to travel only in familiar areas and on known routes.

¯ Teach children to stop only at well-lit houses and never enter a stranger’s home.

¯ Establish a time for children to return home.

¯ Tell children not to eat any treats until they get home.

¯ Review trick-or-treating safety precautions, including pedestrian and traffic rules.

¯ Be sure Halloween costumes are flame-retardant and have reflective material.

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Trick-or-treaters

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¯ Be bright at night – wear reflective tape on costumes and treat buckets to improve visibility to motorists and others.

¯ Wear disguises that don’t obstruct vision and avoid facemasks.

¯ Ensure any props are flexible and blunt-tipped to avoid injury.

¯ Carry a flashlight containing fresh batteries.

¯ Stay on sidewalks and avoid walking in streets if possible.

¯ If there are no sidewalks, walk on the left side of the road, facing traffic.

¯ Look both ways and listen for traffic before crossing the street.

¯ Cross streets only at the corner

¯ Trick-or-treat in a group if someone older cannot go with you.

¯ Tell your parents where you are going.

Have a fun and safe Halloween.