Halloween Traffic Safety Tips For Drivers, Parents

LOS ANGELES (CBS) — Cute new costume? Check. Container for receiving and carrying candy? Check. Review of rules for Halloween traffic safety? Well…

To keep trick-or-treaters safe this Halloween, there are just a few rules to observe to keep everyone safe, happy and hopped up on candy.

For drivers:

Drive slowly and don't pass stopped vehicles. A stopped vehicle might be dropping off children or letting pedestrians pass.

Stay off the phone. Avoid the distraction of calls, texts or web.

Watch for children darting into the street. Kids can and often do cross the street anywhere and most young pedestrian deaths happen at spots other than intersections.

Yield to young pedestrians. Children might not stop, either because they don't see a vehicle approaching or don't yet know how to safely cross the street.

Communicate with other drivers. Use your turn signals. When picking up or dropping off kids, turn on your hazard lights.

For parents:

Teach your trick-or-treaters how to safely cross the street. They should look both ways and cross only at corners and in marked crosswalks.

Consider an indoor community Halloween program. Indoor programs are especially good for younger kids. Some communities also offer to help parents inspect kids' treats to make sure they're safe to eat.

Brighten them up. Give your kids flashlights and glow sticks and consider using reflective tape on their costumes so drivers can see them.

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