Halloween spending is expected to reach $8.4 billion this year — $1.5 billion more than in 2015. Of that, $3 billion will be on costumes, $550 million will be on candy and another $300 billion on ticket sales to haunted houses.

What once was a simple fall holiday enjoyed by children has evolved into a major industry. Local kids prepare to don their ghoulish garb Monday and if anyone has tried to drive down Broadway on Halloween, they wouldn’t question the numbers cited above.

With all these children running around thinking more about chocolate than on-coming traffic, extra caution is necessary. According to the National Safety Council,in 2014, about 6,300 pedestrian deaths and 145,000 medically consulted injuries occurred among pedestrians in motor vehicle incidents. Darting or running into the road accounts for about 70 percent of pedestrian deaths or injuries for those age 5 to 9 and about 47 percent of incidents for those 10 to 14.

And, in the U.S., October ranks number two in motor vehicle deaths by month, with August first and September third.

So, here are some safety tips for kids: 

• A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children on the neighborhood rounds.

• If your older children are going alone, plan and review the route that is acceptable to you.

• Agree on a specific time when children should return home.

• Only go to homes with a porch light on and never enter a home or car for a treat.

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

• Wear comfortable shoes.

Safety tips for motorists:

• 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.

Trick-or-treating:

• Instruct your children to travel only in familiar, well-lit areas and avoid trick-or-treating alone.

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

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

Costumes:

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

• If children are allowed out after dark, fasten reflective tape to their costumes and bags to make sure they are visible.

• 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.

• Avoid masks that may obstruct vision or breathing.

Halloween can be a fun holiday for kids and parents alike. Keeping it safe will help make that happen.

Dale Hogg