We are reminded the major dangers at Halloween are not from ghosts and goblins...but rather pedestrian/vehicle collisions, to date this year 28 Pedestrians have been killed on Irish roads.

The clocks will go back and darkness once again shortens our daylight hours. The weather does the rest, making it much more difficult to see pedestrians while driving.

Traffic Fatalities up to 9am on 21st October 2014
Pedestrians: 28
Drivers: 65
Passengers: 31
Motorcyclists: 18
Pedal Cyclists: 9
Pillion Passenger/Other: 1
Total Year to Date: 152
2013 - Comparison: 152 (0)
2014 - October fatalities to date: 12

Halloween means many things to many people. For some, it is an opportunity to play practical jokes; for others, it is fun; and to still others, it is a time to gorge on mounds of sweets solicited from neighbours. However, to Road Safety professionals, Halloween is often a tense time of year, a time when pranks cross the line into life endangering activities and when innocent children having fun and seeking treats, can fall victim to road collisions.

Their costumes may be out of this world, but are often made with a dark colour material and hard to see by motorists. Their mode of travel is strictly down to earth - trick-or-treaters face significantly greater than usual risks from traffic as they make their rounds on foot. The road safety officer in Mayo County Council urges adults to review common sense guidelines with children to protect them from pedestrian injuries and falls, the most common risks they face on Halloween.

"The excitement of trick-or-treating can make everyone less cautious," said Noel Gibbons, road safety officer in Mayo County Council. "To help keep children safe, parents should remind their kids about the rules of the road and ensure they will be seen by drivers this Halloween."