Halloween is just around the corner. Soon your children and their friends will undergo an autumn transformation, becoming ghosts, witches and superheroes.

But did you know that Halloween is one of the deadliest days of the year for pedestrians, especially children?

The risk of pedestrian fatalities is 43% higher on Halloween. And Halloween night is a perfect storm of risk. This is due to darkness, heavy pedestrian traffic, especially children, and many additional distractions.

And here’s something else you might not know. While puffy Halloween costumes and outfits look super cute on our kids, when it comes to traveling to trick-or-treating, all that extra material can prevent your child’s car seat from protecting them in a crash.

If your child’s suit has too much slack in the harness or prevents you from properly securing him with the chest clip and crotch buckle, then CR advises that you wait until you reach your final destination to put him in the suit.

Decorative contact lenses, such as vampire or cat eyes, can make a costume look spectacular, but they can be risky and cause serious eye damage if used incorrectly.

The Food and Drug Administration advises… “Never buy contact lenses from a street vendor, beauty supply store, flea market, novelty store, or Halloween store—and you should always have a prescription.”

A second-hand suit is a great money saver, but if it’s too big it could cause your child to trip, so have it adjusted to fit. And avoid masks that block vision.

Also add reflective tape to suits and bags. And give kids glow sticks to make them easier to see on dark, spooky Halloween nights.

Stay on sidewalks rather than walking between cars or lawns where you can trip.