Halloween is a fun time for families, but it’s
also one of the most dangerous nights of the year for pedestrians and drivers.
With the holiday falling on a Friday this year, there may be an even greater safety risk.
Tricker-or-treaters walking outside, more weekend parties and a higher chance of drunk driving can create a dangerous combination.
Children are more than twice as likely to be hit and killed by a vehicle on Halloween, according to Safe Kids Worldwide.
AAA says it’s best for children to trick-or-treat before nightfall.
“I would encourage, especially little ones, to get out before it’s pitch black,” said Tiffany Wright with AAA.
AAA also says parents should walk with their children as they trick-or-treat.
“You should park on the side road, and travel with your kids, especially those little ones, because they tend to dart in and out of traffic, because they just get excited out there. I think that’s something to think about. Consider not just dropping your kid off and letting them explore a neighborhood,” said Wright.
Keeping kids visible and pets from escaping on Halloween
Families can enjoy spooky fun on Halloween night by checking out some local haunted houses and decorated homes. WRAL Out and About has a list that includes the Edward Battle’s Haunted House and Candyland at 9401 S Mere Court in north Raleigh.
The haunted house has a special cause behind it.
Sarah Thompson’s son, Edward, was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in 2012. To lift his spirits, the family decided to transform their home into a haunted house, something he had dreamed of.
Now in school at UNC-Wilmington and in remission, his family continues to bring on the scare for the community to enjoy.
The haunted house is free for all, but guests can leave donations to help raise money for children’s cancer research.It will be open from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
