Halloween: Child pedestrian deaths double

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ANN ARBOR, Mich., Oct. 29 (UPI) -- Twice as many children are killed in U.S. pedestrian accidents on Halloween compared to other days of the year, researchers say.

Amy Teddy, injury prevention program manager at C.S. Mott Children's Hospital, said children need proper safety instruction before they go trick-or-treating. Parents should remind children of the rules of the road, emphasizing that drivers may not be able to spot them after dark.

Teddy recommends:

-- Children age 12 and younger should not cross the street without an adult.

-- If older kids are mature enough to go trick-or-treating without adult supervision, parents should make sure they go in a group and stick to a predetermined route with good lighting.

-- Proper costume fit, including shoes and masks, is something many parents forget to check. It's important to remember that kids can easily trip and fall because of loose fitting clothes.

-- Parents should check that masks don't interfere with their child's vision, or should use face paint and makeup.

-- Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers and, if possible, choose light colors.

-- Have kids carry glow sticks or flashlights in order to see better, as well as to be seen by drivers.

-- Watch out for cars that are turning or backing up and never dart out into the street or cross in between parked cars.