Experts warn children twice as likely to be hit by cars on Halloween, urge safety practices

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- With Halloween just a few days away, spooky season is in full-swing.

After most of us took a year off from trick-or-treating due to COVID-19, child safety experts said it's a good time to brush up on safety tips.

Safety experts said children are twice as likely to be hit by a car on Halloween, but they said there are things you can do to keep your kids safe.

"We're doing a Halloween party just with our family, and we're trying to do a haunted house," said Jaxon Leszczynski.

He and his grandad Steven Leszczynski, with costume and smoke machine in hand, said they're ready for Halloween.

Grandad said they always go as a group and keep track of what the kids are getting.

"Only, say, in our neighborhood, we go places where we know the people," said Steven.

Rishelle Eithun, American Family Children's Hospital Injury Prevention Program manager, said accompanying your kids is important if they're 12 years and younger.

That goes double with younger kids, when things like Jolly Ranchers could wind up a choking hazard.

"Kind of just do your best to make sure you're giving age-appropriate candy to your children," said Eithun.

Eithun also said it's important for families to follow the rules of the road.

"Trying to have some reflective lights, glow bracelets, necklaces, even reflective trick-or-treat bags," said Eithun.

Children are twice as likely to be hit by a car on Halloween.

Mom Brynn Rojahn said the statistic is shocking.

"That was shocking to me, I had no clue that was the case, I'd think more people would be more mindful driving," said Rojahn.

So while her daughter, Vada Tuft, heads out for her favorite candy, they'll also be staying safe.

"Kit-Kats, Jolly Ranchers, and Hershey's," listed off Tuft. "I'm also going to be with my older brother, so he'll also look out for me."

And of course that warning goes out for drivers too -- remember to slow down when kids are in costumes.