Forget about decades-old urban myths about razor blades and poisons hidden in Halloween candy — the real dangers tonight are more likely to come from inattentive drivers on local roads and children consuming candy that contains allergens.
According to a report by The Hill, other risks include falls due to costumes that become a trip hazard (or reduce visibility), and candy that can lead to choking.
Parents are advised by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to feed children before sending them out for their candy, to reduce the chance they will snack on a treat that contains an ingredient to which they are allergic.
And, The Hill cites Safe Kids Worldwide as noting the past 10 years of federal data shows those under the age of 18 are three-and-a-half times more likely to be killed by a vehicle on Halloween than on the average day. If you’re out driving tonight, please go slow and keep your eyes out for little ones darting from house to house to gather additional treats.
“Whether it’s fall festivals, pumpkin picking, corn mazes, or on Halloween night, this is the time to focus on putting phones down, heads-up, making eye contact with drivers, and remembering other important safety tips that can prevent injuries and save lives,” said Torine Creppy, president of Safe Kids Worldwide, according to The Hill.
Make sure kids are wearing reflective clothing (maybe even with lighted elements) or are carrying a flashlight when they are out and about. Make sure they can see and walk freely in their costumes. Talk to them about staying focused on their surroundings. Encourage them to wait until they get home to sample their candy.
Of course it makes sense to give that candy a look before letting them eat it. Are there any allergy dangers? Has anything made its way into the haul that shouldn’t be there? But the vast majority of the time, the greatest danger lurking once trick-or-treaters have made it home safely for the evening is the sugar crash.
With the right guidance, it’s a good opportunity for kids to learn it is possible to be smart AND have fun. If they do that, chances are the only thing they have to fear is the ghost stories they tell each other as they make their rounds.
Morgantown Area News
'Tuesday, November 5, 2024'
