HALLOWEEN SAFETY TIPS are an important part of the fun this time of year. It is an unfortunate fact, according to safekids.org, that children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car on Halloween than on any other day of the year. To reduce the chance, police and other first responders across the country ask parents and other adults to set the following rules in place before the little monsters and goblins take to the streets.

Responsible adults should accompany younger children, and should know the route older children will be taking. Remind kiddos to only go to houses with their porch lights lit and to stay in familiar neighborhoods.

When crossing the street, cross only at the corner, use traffic signals and crosswalks, look left-right-and left again when crossing. Continue to look up and down the street as you cross.

Watch for vehicles that could be turning or backing up. Do not let children run into the road or behind and between parked cars.

Walk on sidewalks. If there is no sidewalk, walk facing oncoming traffic as far to the left as possible.

Carry glow sticks, wear reflective clothing, use a flashlight — but do not point the flashlight at vehicles.

Keep electronic devices like cell phones put away so that all attention is on the trick-or-treater in your care.

Remind children not to eat any treats until they get home.

And, for the drivers out and about, be alert for trick-or-treaters on Halloween. Slow down and scan the road in areas where kids are likely to be, and stay alert for pedestrians who may come out from between parked cars or behind shrubbery.

Stay off the phone when driving.