TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Here's an important reminder to consider when your ghosts and goblins go trick or treating: Halloween is the deadliest day of the year for children when it comes to pedestrian crashes, according to State Farm Insurance.

A new report finds the number of fatal pedestrian crashes involving children is twice as high on Halloween.

Over the past 21 years, more than five children on average were killed by vehicles on October 31.

That's double the average number of fatalities on other days.

The deadliest hour is between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. and more than 70 percent of the crashes happen in the middle of a block away from a crosswalk.

State Farm agent Vicki Catsimpiris says Halloween is more dangerous for trick or treaters because so many children are out on the streets, they may not be wearing reflective clothing or have a flashlight, and there are more young drivers on the road who may not drive defensively.

"I think all of those things add up to a dangerous situation for children. But I think it can be mitigated if we just are aware of the problem ahead of time and we take the steps we need perhaps to slow down a little bit."

Catsimpiris reminds you to leave a little extra time for trick or treating. Watch out for children running between parked cars and crossing the street, avoid tailgating and make sure children wear clothes that can be easily seen at night.

"Make sure our children are wearing light clothing, reflective clothing, talking to them about using crosswalks, talking to our young drivers about slowing down and really paying attention to what's going on, on the side of the street rather than just heading full speed ahead to where they're going."

The study shows one-third of the fatal crashes involving children are caused by drivers between the ages of 15 and 25.

State Farm also suggests turning off the radio in the car and putting away your cell phone.

First Coast News