On average, twice as many children are killed while walking on Halloween compared to other days of the year. Parents can help kids stay safe on Halloween by emphasizing safe pedestrian behaviors before they go out trick-or-treating.

• Cross streets safely. Children under 12 should trick-or-treat and cross streets with an adult. Cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks.
• Look left, right and left again when crossing and maintain awareness as you cross. Walk, don't run, across the street.
• Watch out for cars that are turning or backing up. Never dart out into the street or cross between parked cars.
• Stick to familiar, well-lit areas even if you are mature enough to be out without supervision. Try to make eye contact with drivers before crossing the street.
  

Kids will still be trick-or-treating after it gets dark, making it harder for drivers to see them. Parents should remember that costumes can be both creative and safe.

• Purchase or make costumes that are light, bright and clearly visible to motorists.
• Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers that will glow in the beam of a car's headlights.
• Avoid masks and costumes that cover the whole face or limit vision or hearing.
• Have kids carry glow sticks or flashlights in order to see better, as well as be seen by drivers.
• Make sure costumes are sturdy and fit well to prevent tripping and falling.

Drivers need to do their part to keep trick-or-treaters safe from harm. DOT urges motorists to be extra careful this Halloween.

• Slow down and be especially alert in residential neighborhoods and school zones. Children are excited on Halloween and may move in unpredictable ways.
• Take extra time to look for kids at intersections, on medians and on curbs.
• Enter and exit driveways and alleys slowly and carefully.
• Reduce any distractions inside your car so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings.
• Remember that costumes can limit children's visibility and they may not be able to see your vehicle.

Daylight Savings Time ends Sunday, November 1 at 2am.
Decreased daylight, shadows, and earlier nightfall make it difficult for drivers to see pedestrians and cyclists wearing dark or non-reflective clothing. Remember, just because you can see a driver doesn't mean the driver can see you.

Dress to be seen by drivers:

• You can be more easily seen during the day when you wear light colors or bright clothing.
• At night, wear something that reflects light, such as reflective or retro-reflective materials, tape or markings.

Stay visible on your bike:

• Install bicycle reflectors on both the front and back of your bicycle. If a carrier is added, make sure the rear reflector is visible.
• A flashing red light on the rear of your bicycle, backpack, or helmet will increase your visibility to others.
• It's the Law: In New York State, you must use a white front light at night. Use your headlight in low-visibility conditions, too.