It's scary night; be careful out this Halloween

Some special interest groups would have us believe crime increases on Halloween night.

This might be true, or not, depending on many factors: the weather, the night of the week, whether communities offer organized activities, etc.

All we know for sure is that pumpkins tend to get smashed in streets around this time of year and vehicles are ripe for vandalism anytime the weather’s warm and after-dark activities are encouraged.

Also, the National Safety Council reports children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween than on any other day of the year.

So, in hopes of helping the treats outweigh the tricks tonight, here are some safety tips suggested by the NSC:

• All costumes, wigs and accessories should be fire-resistant

• Avoid masks, which can obstruct vision

• If children are allowed out after dark, fasten reflective tape to their costumes and bags, or give them glow sticks

• When buying Halloween makeup, make sure it is nontoxic and always test it in a small area first

• Remove all makeup before children go to bed to prevent skin and eye irritation

• A responsible adult should accompany young children on the neighborhood rounds

• If your older children are going alone, plan and review a route acceptable to you

• Agree on a specific time children should return home

• Teach your children never to enter a stranger’s home or car

• Instruct children to travel only in familiar, well-lit areas and stick with their friends

• Tell your children not to eat any treats until they return home

• Children and adults are reminded to put electronic devices down, keep heads up and walk, don’t run, across the street

• Watch for children walking on roadways, medians and curbs

• Enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully

• At twilight and later in the evening, watch for children in dark clothing

• Discourage new, inexperienced drivers from driving on Halloween

Unsigned editorials are the opinion of the Clovis Media Inc. editorial board, which includes Editor David Stevens and Publisher Rob Langrell.