Halloween Precautions For A Safe Holiday

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - There are certain medical reports that I find myself writing every year, but I write them because they never seem to lose their importance - because they are less informational and more of a critical reminder. Today is one of those days - Halloween.

Halloween can be a great evening of fun for family and entire neighborhoods, but it is also a set up for true horror if not approached properly. My biggest concern is that there is the potential for children to become victims of a motor vehicle accident.

Think about it. You have children wound up running from home to home trying to load their pillow case or Halloween bag with treats. For the youngest of the ghouls and goblins the festivities start at dusk, just as tired neighbors are driving home from a long day at work. All it takes is an impulsive move by a child and a lack of attention by an adult and a child can be hit.

Please watch your children closely, warn them repeatedly and make sure that costumes are bright or have reflectors.

Finally make certain that masks don't block clear vision.

Reported By Dr. Brian McDonough, KYW Newsradio Medical Editor