Doctors offer Halloween safety tips for children

Halloween is just a few days away and many of us have already put out the pumpkins and decorations, but experts say it's also one of the deadliest days of the year for children.

Pediatric doctors at UnityPoint Clinic – Westdale Pediatrics say It's important children always cross at crosswalks and look both ways and doctors say it's a good idea to trick or treat in groups to make it easier for drivers to see trick or treaters.

Doctors tell us that a child's Halloween mask can also make a difference when it comes to trick or treating.

Make sure if they wear a mask that it fits well so it's not covering up their vision.

Doctors with UnityPoint Clinic say it's it's a good idea for children to wear bright or reflective costumes.

"One of the recommendations is that you wear reflective tape around the edges, put reflective tape on their candy bag if they don't want to mess up their costume, they also say that children should decorate a flashlight to go along with their costume so they can stand out better for the cars are they cross at the crosswalks," says Dr. Lance Goodall.

Kids should also trick or treat on brightly lit streets or neighborhoods.

Doctors suggest that children "never" trick or treat by themselves.

For teens that do go out by themselves, doctors say it's always a good idea to carry a cell phone and communicate to adults where they will be or where they are going.