Halloween may be the quintessential intersection of thrills and fun, with some universal traditions like trick-or-treating and devouring lots of candy — but there are dangers that can make the holiday tragic if not carefully avoided.

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That’s why organizations like the American Red Cross of Utah, AAA of Utah and the American Veterinary Medical Association all put out press releases and statements emphasizing the importance of safe practices as part of the celebration.

Here are their tips:

Red Cross of Utah Offers Halloween Safety Tips for Drivers and Trick-or-Treaters

Halloween is a night of costumes, candy and excitement for children, but it’s also the most dangerous night of the year for young pedestrians. With trick-or-treaters expected in neighborhoods on Saturday, the American Red Cross of Utah is reminding families and drivers to take simple precautions to help prevent accidents.

The risk of pedestrian fatalities is 43% higher on Halloween than on other evenings, according to research published in JAMA Pediatrics, a journal of the American Medical Association. The study, which analyzed 42 years of National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data, also found that children ages 4 to 8 are 10 times more likely to be struck by a vehicle and killed on Halloween than on other evenings.

“Kids are excited about Halloween, and it’s easy for them to forget about the cars around them,” said Michael Smauldon, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Northern Utah Chapter. “We want families to enjoy trick-or-treating and get home safely. A few simple precautions can help prevent a serious accident.”

Jamie Lampros

The risk is greatest around 6 p.m., when more children are out trick-or-treating and fading daylight can make them harder for drivers to see. Young trick-or-treaters may also cross streets unexpectedly or emerge from between parked cars, making it especially important for drivers to slow down and stay alert in neighborhoods.

Red Cross of Utah Halloween Safety Tips

For Drivers

• Slow Down: Lower speeds give drivers more time to react if kids suddenly step into the street.
• Turn on Headlights Early: Turn on headlights at dusk to make vehicles easier for trick-or-treaters and other drivers to see.
• Be Patient: Take extra time at stop signs, intersections and crosswalks, and double-check for pedestrians before proceeding.
• Stay Focused: Put phones away and watch for children, especially in busy neighborhoods.
• Avoid Busy Neighborhoods: If possible, take another route to avoid heavy pedestrian traffic, especially between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.
• Never Drive Impaired: Use a designated driver or another safe ride home.

 For Trick-or-Treaters

• Stay Visible: Wear reflective clothing, carry glow sticks or use flashlights so drivers can easily see trick-or-treaters.
• Walk, Don’t Run: Walking instead of running gives drivers more time to see children and react.
• Cross Safely: Cross at crosswalks or intersections and never dart out from between parked cars.
• Stick to Sidewalks: Use sidewalks whenever possible. If there are none, walk on the left side of the road facing traffic.
• Choose Safe Costumes: Make sure kids’ costumes fit properly and do not block their vision. Face paint can be a safer option than masks.
• Limit Distractions: Put phones away and pay attention to traffic while walking or supervising children.

Be Prepared with Red Cross Apps

BENJAMIN ZACK/Standard-Examiner

The Red Cross offers free mobile apps to help families prepare for emergencies. The First Aid app provides step-by-step guidance for common injuries and medical emergencies, including CPR. The Emergency app offers weather alerts, shelter information and disaster preparedness advice. Both are available in app stores or at redcross.org/apps.

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.

— American Red Cross of Utah

AAA Utah Shares Tips for a Fun and Safe Halloween

Halloween is one of the most dangerous nights of the year for pedestrians. Excited trick-or-treaters can easily lose track of road safety, making it a vital time for parents and drivers to stay extra alert and exercise caution on the road.

Scott Eisen, AP Images for The KIT KAT Brand

AAA Tips to keep you safe this Halloween:

• Slow down in residential neighborhoods and drive at least 5 mph below the posted speed limit to give yourself extra time to react to children who may dart into the street.
• Dark costumes are harder to see at night. Attaching reflective tape or reflectors to costumes or candy buckets makes kids visible to drivers. Drivers should remain alert for children walking on roadways, medians, curbs or crossing the street.
• Broaden your view by looking for children especially crossing mid block or between parked vehicles.
• Place a flashlight with fresh batteries inside your child’s treat bucket to make children more visible to traffic.
• Prepare for pranksters: Park in a secure, well-lit area with windows up and doors locked to avoid vehicle vandalism or theft.
• Light up the night: At your own home keep walkways, entrances, and outdoor areas well lit using pathway and motion-activated lights. Clear paths of cords, costumes, and decorations to prevent slips and trips.
• Beware the brew: If hosting a party, monitor guests and provide plenty of non-alcoholic beverages and snacks. Help arrange a safe ride home for anyone consuming alcohol.

— AAA Utah

How to make Halloween a little less scary for pets

An article from CNN Newsource highlighted the holiday challenges for animals at this time of year:

Halloween brings hazards for pets, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association, which says emergency animal clinics see a spike in cases during October.

Dr. Jen Quammen, president of the American Veterinary Medical Association, said the biggest hazard may not be candy.

“I think sometimes the biggest Halloween hazard isn’t exactly the candy; it might be the front door. The doors opening over and over. There are strangers in costumes,” Quammen said.

Keep pets secure

Quammen said pet owners should make sure pets are microchipped and have ID tags and collars in case they slip out an open door. She said owners should also consider this before taking pets trick-or-treating.

“I would always encourage folks to know their pet,” Quammen said. “I think I would just consider that the pet gets a vote in this conversation.”

Candy dangers

Unattended candy can be dangerous for pets. Chocolate is not the only concern. Treats made with a sugar-free sweetener called xylitol can also be harmful.

Quammen said pet owners should contact their veterinarian or poison control if pets get into either type of candy.

“And the other thing about candy is our pets don’t really usually unwrap it. They also eat the wrappers, and those can be an issue as well if they get swallowed,” Quammen said.

Costume tips

Best Friends Animal Society recommends the following when dressing up pets:

• Keep costumes comfortable.
• Don’t put pets in anything that restricts movement.
• Make sure pets can see clearly.
• Remove any small parts that can be chewed off and swallowed.
• If pets show signs of distress, opt for a festive bandana instead.

— CNN Newsource

Follow these guidelines and give yourself, your family and your animal friends the best chance to enjoy your Halloween.