Halloween is a deadly day for child pedestrians

As witches, super heroes and even a bottle of siracha take over Sacred Heart School in Salinas, parents are mentally preparing for a busy weekend.

“I’m feeling really good, it’s super fun,” said second grader Evan Campos.

“We know that they’re in the school, we know that the gates closed so they’re not able to get out,” said Sonia Amador, a parent. “They’re able to just have fun and be kids and not have to worry about the dangers of outside.”

Those dangers include being hit by a car.

A recent insurance company study found Halloween is the deadliest day of the year for child pedestrian accidents.

“We want it to be fun and enjoyable for the kids to go out and not have to worry about these fast cars hitting them,” said Amador.

The study also found police see about five pedestrian deaths every halloween, typically between 5 p.m.-9 p.m.

“My advice to drivers would be number one don’t drink and drive and don’t use your cell phone and drive,” said Salinas Police Department Sgt. Gerry Ross. “You need to pay really close attention to the pedestrians in the area and to your driving.”

Research shows kids ages 12 to 15 are most at risk for being hit.

Its recommend trick or treaters wear fluorescent clothing, carry a flashlight, cross at intersections that are well lit and never assume the driver sees you.

“Another thing you should watch for is driveways,” said Ross. “Every year we get a child hit because they’re paying attention to the street they’re crossing but they run across driveways while people are backing out.”

The Salinas Police Department will have extra patrols out this weekend looking for drunk drivers and other traffic dangers.