The Utah Red Cross offers safety tips for this Halloween

SALT LAKE CITY – Halloween can be one of the most fun holidays for kids, and Utahns tend to take it more seriously than most – the state was just recognized as having the most excessive Halloween decorators in the country.

While trick-or-treating can be a great time, the Utah Red Cross said it can also be one of the most dangerous nights of the year for children. The risk of pedestrians dying on the road is 43% higher than any other night of the year.

“Trick-or-treaters running from house to house with friends may not be careful on Halloween,” said Heidi Ruster, executive director of the Utah/Nevada region of the American Red Cross.

That’s why the Red Cross has given both drivers and trick-or-treaters tips on how to stay safe this Halloween.

“As drivers, we need to be alert and prepared for children who might suddenly run into the road. “Especially this year, with Halloween falling on a Thursday, people will be driving home from work during trick-or-treating,” Ruster said.

Drivers should:

• Drive slowly
• Avoid residential areas if possible: This is where most fatalities occur, so avoid subdivisions if possible.
• Turn on your headlights early
• Be patient at stops: Take extra time at stop signs to make sure everything is clear, especially if you are driving a high clearance vehicle.
• Stay focused: There will be a lot of pedestrians outside, so limit distractions while driving.

Trick-or-treaters should:

• Walk, don’t run: Slower speed allows drivers to see you and have time to react.
• Cross safely: Use crosswalks at stop signs and avoid crossing behind parked cars.
• Use sidewalks: If possible, avoid walking on the street. If you must, walk on the left side facing oncoming traffic.
• Be visible: Use reflective strips, glow sticks or flashlights.
• Limit distractions: Minimize phone use to stay alert while walking or supervising children.

Research shows that most deaths in residential areas occur between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m., when sunset, rush hour traffic and trick-or-treating coincide, according to the Red Cross. Drivers and trick-or-treaters should be especially careful during this time.