Missouri law enforcement offers safety tips for Halloween

COLUMBIA, Mo. KMIZ

As Halloween approaches, law enforcement advises all the supernatural creatures and superheroes, trick-or-treaters, parents, and party-goers to stay safe before the spooky day. 

Playful scares are expected, but law enforcement warns it is not when it comes to safety.

David Williams, Lieutenant at Jefferson City Police Department, advises parents to go to neighborhoods they are familiar with and to supervise their children when trick-or-treating.  

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Halloween consistently ranks among the top three days of the year for pedestrian injuries and fatalities. 

"We ask that you pay a little more attention than you normally would. We would like for drivers to always pay attention when they're operating a vehicle," Williams told ABC 17 News.

Children are more than twice as likely to be struck by a car and killed on Halloween than on any other day of the year, according to Safe Kids Worldwide. 

"Even more important to pay attention because there could be someone darting out from behind a car or kids seeing other friends trying to cross the street," Williams said.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol encourages adults to drink responsibly and have a sober designated driver.

More than 40% of Halloween crash fatalities are because of drunk driving, according to the NHTSA.

Jefferson City Police Department Safety Tips: 

• Many police departments, community groups, business associations, and others host Halloween parties. Parents should consider these as a safe alternative to door-to-door "trick-or-treating" for their children. 
• Wear bright, reflective costumes or add strips of reflective tape so you'll be more visible; make sure the costumes aren't so long that you're in danger of tripping. 
• Don't eat candy until it has been inspected at home by a responsible person. 
• Eat a snack before heading out to avoid the temptation of nibbling on a treat before it has been inspected. 
• In case of a food allergy, check the label to ensure the allergen isn't present. Tell children not to accept — or eat — anything that isn't commercially wrapped. 
• Children should cross the street at corners/crosswalks and not between parked cars. 
• Motorists should drive slowly and watch carefully for children. Drivers should be conscious of masks that may cause vision obstruction. 
• If driving to events, make certain that the costume allows for seat belt usage.