AAA offers tips to keep trick-or-treaters safe

Costumed monsters, superheroes and princesses who take to the streets in search of candy on Halloween are at greater risk for being injured or killed in interactions with cars, according to AAA.

There's plenty of reason to be on the lookout for young trick-or-treaters on Halloween. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of deaths among young pedestrians aged 5-14 quadruples on Halloween evening, compared with the same period during all other evenings of the year."

"The potential for danger results from excited trick-or-treaters who often forget about safety and from motorists who are not alert," said AAA Idaho spokesman Dave Carlson. "Costumes that restrict vision or which are dark and non-reflective contribute to the risk."

AAA offers these safety tips to keep everyone safe on Halloween:

For trick-or-treaters and parents

*Be bright at night. Wear a costume that can be seen. Add reflective tape to your costume.

*See what's going on around you. Wear a costume that does not obstruct your vision or restrict your ability to move quickly. Face paints are great. Carry a flashlight.

*Stay on sidewalks. If there are no sidewalks, walk on the left side the road facing traffic.

*Look both ways.When you cross the street, look and listen before you go.

*Cross at corners. Don't cross the street between parked cars or mid-block.

*Stay in a group. Trick-or-treat with others and tell your parents where you are going.

*Parents, supervise your trick-or-treaters. Review the safety precautions, walk with young children, travel in familiar areas, establish a return time, and tell your child not to eat any treats until they return home.

For motorists:

*Avoid residential areas. Avoid areas where trick-or-treaters are likely to be present.

*Obey signs and signals. A pedestrian is nearly twice as likely to be killed if they're hit by a car going 30 mph compared to one at 25 mph, according to AAA. Slow down at least five miles lower than the speed limit.

*Watch for children on roadways, medians, curbs. They're harder to see in a dark costume, or may not be paying attention to traffic. They may also cross at mid-block between parked cars.

*See and be seen. Turn on your headlights even in daylight to make yourself more visible.