Halloween is usually seen as a fun time to trick-or-treat. But Friday’s celebration brings safety concerns as well, and Insuranceopedia is offering tips to keep kids safe during the annual tradition.

The insurance selection company says that parents should remember there are many challenges on the night, when kids go door to door to gather sweet treats. Insuranceopedia’s Halloween advisory points out children are twice as likely to be struck and injured, or even killed, by a vehicle on Halloween than any other day on average.

Drivers on the roads during Halloween aren’t always sober. About half of fatal accidents on that night involve motorists who are impaired by alcohol.

For parents driving their children around neighborhoods for trick-or-treating, Insuranceopedia advisors caution to add reflective tape to any costumes. Providing a flashlight or glow stick will also help increase visibility, and parents are recommended to stay on well-lit and familiar thoroughfares.

Insuranceopedia also advises to make sure any masks don’t block the vision of kids. Parents should treat any driving on Halloween night on any block as if it were a sidewalk and motor through the area slowly. Use headlights and do not use mobile phones while driving.

“Halloween can be both magical and chaotic for families; low-light, crowded sidewalks and non-stop doorbell ringing,” said Max Coupland, CEO of Insuranceopedia. “A little prep goes a long way; make kids visible, pet-proof your candy and decor, slow neighborhood driving, and you’ve eliminated most of the risks of Halloween.”

Once the kids get their treats, Insuranceopedia officials say to check candies before children eat them and look for any possible tampering. Anything unwrapped, torn or suspicious looking should be discarded.

Even if an adult isn’t leaving their home with kids, there are still some safety measures that can be taken around their own house. Don’t use open flames for any decorations, such as inside carved pumpkins. Instead, switch to a battery-powered light for any illuminations. If there are any electrical cords on porches or areas around the house, tape them down and avoid any props that might startle people near stairs or doors.

“Think of these tips as a pre-game checklist,” Coupland added. “A few small tweaks, like reflective tape and early headlights turn a risky evening into a safe one.“

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