Halloween may be the most dangerous night of the year for kids.

And not because of all the stomach aches that occur from consuming an overabundance of candy.

No, there are multiple studies that indicate more children are hit by vehicles on October 31st than any other 24 hour period of the year.

So, here are a few tips when you’re out driving on Halloween to make sure everyone gets home safe and sound Wednesday evening.

1-Slow Down

This is the one day or night out of the year that you should drive well below the speed limit–especially in residential neighborhoods where the majority of trick or treating is done.

Look out for kids darting across the street from between parked cars.

2-Be Careful Passing Stopped Vehicles

Before you assume some bonehead is pulled over just to aggravate you, remember, it may be a parent dropping off a bunch of costumed kids. Be extra careful that one doesn’t run in front of your vehicle while passing.

3-Use Your Hazard Lights

If you’re the mom or dad dropping off the kids somewhere, when you pull over to let them out, throw on your hazard lights so other drivers see you pulled over and will hopefully slow down and drive more carefully.

4-Be Extra Vigilant When You See Kids

Look, kids do stupid things. They can’t help it. They don’t look both ways, they dart into the street without looking, they’re easily distracted and tonight, they’re all tweaked from excitement and from all the sugar they’ve ingested. Plus, if the kid has a mask on, they’re vision is impaired as well.

The vast majority of children struck by vehicles on Halloween occur mid-block. According to a study by State Farm Insurance, 70% of fatalities on October 31st occur in the middle of the block.

So, anytime you see a pack of kids with costumes on, open your eyes, sit up and pay attention and again…slow down.

5-Enter & Exit Driveways, Alleys Carefully

With gangs of candy junkies walking the sidewalks of your neighborhood, make sure you’re especially careful when pulling in and out of driveways.

Same goes for alleys. Consider giving your horn a little tap to alert trick or treaters your car is coming out of the alley to pull onto the street.

Did I mention kids don’t pay attention and do stupid things?

6-Stay Off Your Cell Phone

If there’s one evening a year you should forgo using your cell phone, this should be the night. Even if you are using your phone hands free, you should consider staying off the phone if you do have to drive while trick or treating is going on.

Tips For Trick Or Treaters

Parents should equip and educate their young spooks and monsters on the safest ways to trick or treat.

Make sure they look both ways when crossing the street and traverse streets at cross walks when possible.

Encourage children not to cross streets from between cars. Parents should hold the hands of younger children when crossing streets.

Give your kids glow sticks or flashlights when they go out or consider putting reflective tape on their clothing, costumes or jackets so drivers can see them easily.

If drivers look out for Trick or Treaters, and kids look out for cars, everyone will have a safe and fun Halloween.