JEFFERSON CITY - Halloween is the perfect time for some scary fun. But Halloween fun can turn into a nightmare if you are involved in a traffic crash. 

Last year, pedestrian-related crashes were higher in October than any other month. During the Halloween weekend, one pedestrian was killed and more than 1,000 traffic crashes resulted in 11 deaths and 455 injuries in Missouri.  October is also the month with the highest number of traffic crashes involving young drivers.  Last year, nearly 30 percent of all traffic crashes in the state involved drivers under the age of 21, with more than nine percent of those occurring in October. 

"Kids get so excited when trick-or-treating and may not be watching out for cars, so it's important for adults and drivers to be even more alert," said Leanna Depue, highway safety division director for the Missouri Department of Transportation.

To avoid real-life Halloween horrors, remember the following:

·   Walk on sidewalks. If you must walk in the street, walk single file, face traffic and stay as close to the edge of the road as you can.

·   Make sure small children are with an adult when trick-or-treating.

·   Be seen at night. Wear reflective strips and carry a flashlight.

·   Don't assume a vehicle is going to stop for you - the driver may not be paying attention or see you.

It's just as important for drivers to be safe and stay alert.  Remember these simple steps:

·    Always buckle up. It's your best defense in a crash.

·    Slow down and stay alert!

·    Don't drink and drive. Remember, You Drink & Drive. You Lose.

###