Footsteps crunching through fallen leaves and a cool bite in the air leaving cheeks bright and rosy are good indicators that costumed children will soon be ringing doorbells and yelling out a cheery “Trick or treat!”

Halloween is a fun time for adults and children to dress up in costumes for a bit of make-believe. Some people take Halloween into the scary realm, watching horror movies or creeping through haunted houses. Others use the holiday to celebrate the end of fall, with apple dunking and pumpkin carving. You might decide to host a party, or just take your children out for an evening of trick-or-treating. All Purpose Insurance has some Halloween safety tips to keep your family and friends safe this holiday.

A Halloween Safety Guide from the Rate Crushers

During trick-or-treating time, a lot of people will be on the roads. Parents will take young children from house to house, and older children may be crossing streets, unattended in the dark. Because trick-or-treating usually happens at night, visibility is reduced so it’s important to practice safe driving habits. Some tips to stay safe include:

• If you’re out trick-or-treating with your children, park and lock your car and walk from house to house in neighborhoods where homes are close together.

• When walking, be sure to cross the street only at designated crosswalks. Do not cross between parked cars as drivers may not be able to see you or your children.

• Be sure your children are wearing comfortable costumes so they won’t trip or fall while moving from house to house.

• Attach Halloween safety products like blinking bicycle lights or reflector strips to your children’s costumes so they will be more visible to drivers.

• When driving, keep your headlights on at all times. Be sure to take extra-precaution and drive slowly in residential neighborhoods.

• Like any time, avoid distracted driving. Do not use your cell phone while driving or munch on candy while behind the wheel.

• Turn on your yard lights so trick-or-treaters can see the path to your front door.

• Keep footpaths clear for trick-or-treaters by placing decorations where visitors won’t walk. Also, make sure electrical cords don’t cross footpaths.

All Purpose Insurance believes staying safe on the road is important whether it’s Halloween or any other day of the year. See how much you could be saving by switching to All Purpose Insurance. Get a free car insurance quote from the rate crushers.