Tips for keeping Michigan kids — and pets — safe this Halloween
- Michigan residents are encouraged to practice safe driving during Halloween weekend because kids are more likely to be hit by a car or killed
- All pedestrians are at risk because motorists are more likely to be driving distracted or impaired
- State officials urge pet owners to protect their furry friends as Halloween can be just as frightening for them
Halloween can be one of the most dangerous times of the year for pedestrians and drivers. Not only are there more people walking, especially at night, but drivers are more likely to be distracted or even impaired, putting themselves and others at risk.
“Since Halloween falls on a Thursday, it’s likely that festivities could start early in the week and continue through the weekend,” said Adrienne Woodland, Michigan spokesperson for AAA. “ We’re urging drivers to keep an eye out for pedestrians all week long, slow down in neighborhoods and avoid distractions and impairment behind the wheel to help keep everyone safe.”
Children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween than any other day in the year, according to Safe Kids Worldwide, an international nonprofit that works to reduce unintentional injuries among children.
While every municipality varies, trick-or-treating can start as early as 5 p.m. and end around 8:30 p.m.
AAA recommends that motorists:
- Remain seated and buckled in
- Focus on driving and delegate tasks like checking a map or taking pictures to the passenger
- Drive below the speed limit. Driving just a few miles over the speed limit increased the chances of a pedestrian getting hit
- Keep an eye out for trick-or-treaters and all other pedestrians
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The group also encourages pedestrians to practice the following safety tips:
- Make yourself visible by wearing light-colored clothing or adding reflective tape to your costume
- Cross the street safely and don’t run in between parked cars.
- Don’t walk distracted
- Stay on the sidewalks if they are available. If not, always walk facing the traffic
Safe snacking
Experts remind parents to inspect their children’s candy before they open it.
Because children are at a high risk for contracting foodborne illnesses, paying attention to the expiration date is important, according to Christine Venema, food safety educator for MSU Extension.
While most candy doesn’t present a large safety risk, she said, its quality can deteriorate over time. Candy is usually good for up to 12 months after the expiration date.
Parents should also inspect candy for torn or open packaging, discoloration and pinholes and remove gum, peanuts, hard candy and toys for small children to prevent choking, Venema said.
She said parents should be on the lookout for potentially harmful food allergens. “Parents should also be on the alert for marijuana edibles. Because children have a small body weight, the edible could be metabolized faster, making it dangerous to the child.”
Safety tips for pets
Halloween can also be a spooky night for animals, who can be just as frightened as humans by scary costumes and constant doorbell ringing.
"Considering the needs of our animals is important when making plans for Halloween to ensure they won’t have any unpleasant scares or additional stress,” said Nora Wineland, state veterinarian. “From keeping them away from the candy bowl to ensuring they have up-to-date identification, there are many precautions owners can take to keep their animals safe this Halloween.”
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development recommends pet owners:
- Make sure pets have proper identification in case they sneak out the door
- Create a quiet space for animals to decompress because constant visitors can be overwhelming for them
- Be mindful of decorations and lights that can not only be scary for some animals but also dangerous
- Considering wearing costumes that don’t drastically alter your appearance causing your pet not to recognize you and become frightened
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