Halloween safety tips to keep trick-or-treaters safe on East Texas roads

LONGVIEW, Texas (KLTV) - Halloween night brings costumes and candy, but it can also bring danger as crowded roads are shared by cars and trick-or-treaters.

Kadrienne Bradshaw is an ICU nurse and a mom to a five-year-old. She said giving kids your full attention gives them the best chance at staying safe.

“It’s really important for them to have your full attention. Leave your phone down, you can post on Facebook or text your friends about your Halloween experience later,” Bradshaw said.

With Halloween falling around the start of daylight saving time, the earlier sunset means reduced visibility for pedestrians and drivers.

“We see those numbers spike during October and November when that time changes. It gets darker earlier,” TxDOT Public Information Officer Jeff Williford said.

Williford said Texas saw nearly 700 pedestrian roadway deaths last year.

“A lot of times in neighborhoods, cars will be parked on the street -- try not to let them go in between cars and dart out in front. Stay on the walkway, stay on the sidewalks and know where they are,” Williford said.

Wearing reflective clothing or bright clothing can allow drivers to spot you quickly and easily.

“My son’s gonna be Michael Jackson for Halloween and we’re gonna put some glowsticks on him and probably a piece of reflective tape on the back of him,” Bradshaw said.

Williford recommends teaching kids three easy steps before trick-or-treating: look both ways, stay on sidewalks and don’t run off at any time.

For drivers, slow down in residential areas and scan the sides of roads for children walking.

Places like Target, Walmart, Lowes Tractor Supply and Ace Hardware may have reflective tape if you’d like to add it to your child’s Halloween costume.