Special to The Hays Daily News

Halloween is supposed to be a spooky night, but parents don't have to be scared about their children' safety if they follow some simple safety tips from Safe Kids Kansas.

According to Safe Kids USA, over a recent five-year period, twice as many child pedestrians have been killed on Halloween as have been killed on average throughout the rest of the year in the United States.

With the days getting shorter, children likely will be trick-or-treating in the dark when it is harder for drivers to see them and the excitement of the holiday can make everyone less cautious.

"Parents need to remind kids about safety while walking before they go out trick-or-treating," said Cherie Sage, state director for Safe Kids Kansas. "Children should bring flashlights or glow sticks with them, carry reflective bags or have reflective tape on their costumes to increase visibility to drivers. Children should not wear masks, which may inhibit their ability to see hazards."

Tips for parents, kids

Safe Kids recommends that children under age 10 do not trick-or-treat without adult supervision. If children are mature enough to go trick-or-treating without supervision, make sure they go in a group and they stick to a predetermined route with good lighting. Parents must also remind children to:

* Cross streets safely. Cross at a corner, using traffic signals and crosswalks. Try to make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of them. Don't assume that because you can see the driver, the driver can see you. Look left, right and left again when crossing, and keep looking as you cross. Walk; don't run, across the street.

* Walk on well-lit sidewalks or paths. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible. Children should walk in familiar areas with minimal street crossings.

* Be a safe pedestrian around cars. Watch for cars that are turning or backing up. Never dart out into the street or cross between parked cars.

Tips for drivers

Drivers need to do their part to keep trick-or-treaters safe from harm. Safe Kids reminds motorists to be extra careful this Halloween and recommends that drivers:

* Be especially alert. Remember that popular trick-or-treating hours are during the typical rush-hour period, between 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.

* Drive more slowly. Slow down and anticipate heavier than usual pedestrian traffic.

* Lights on. Be sure to drive with your full headlights on so you can spot children from greater distances.

Although pedestrian safety is a main concern on Halloween, parents also need to keep in mind that there are other hazards for their children on this holiday. Parents must check treats for signs of tampering before children are allowed to eat them. To prevent costume fires, keep jack-o'lanterns lit with candles away from doorsteps and walkways, and consider using glow sticks instead of candles. Safe Kids Kansas suggests that parents look for non-flammable costumes and non-toxic designations when choosing Halloween makeup and make sure their children wear well-fitting, sturdy shoes to prevent trips and falls. Finally, children should go to homes only where the residents are known and there are outside lights on.

For more tips on how to keep children safe while walking on Halloween and throughout the year, visit www.usa.safekids.org.