State Farm agents use a new study to bring light to a Halloween issue

TIPPECANOE COUNTY, Ind. (WLFI) - Halloween is almost here. While the kids are getting excited for the candy, Lafayette police hope after the holiday they can describe it in one word.

"[I hope it's] uneventful," Lafayette Police Sergeant Bob Baumgartner said. "[I hope] the kids are able to go out there and have a good time, and get all the treats they want."

Lafayette police plan to increase patrols in neighborhoods during trick or treating hours with Volunteers in Police Service, or VIPS.

"What they'll do is go out in marked cars that say Lafayette Police VIPS on them," Baumgartner said. "They'll patrol the neighborhoods, and keep an eye on things. They'll report anything suspicious they might see. Or they'll respond to routine problems that don't necessarily need police."

While police focus on responding to anything that could go wrong, agents at local State Farm Insurance offices are focusing on a particular problem.

A new study though State Farm and research company Sperling's BestPlaces show Halloween is the deadliest day for child pedestrian accidents and deaths.

"The day has double the fatalities of any other day the rest of the calendar year," State Farm Insurance Communication Relations Specialist Jim Slaven said.

The 21-year study shows more than five children are hit and killed by cars each year on Halloween. That number is around two on any other day. The study uses records from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) from 1990 to 2010.

The study also found 60 percent of those accidents happen between 6 and 7 at night.

"This is obviously a big concern of ours," Baumgartner said. "There are so many kids out there, and they are excited. They're having fun, and go from house to house. Quite often they will dart across the street without looking."

"This happens, of course, because kids are very excited," Slaven said.

Since young children sometimes can't control their excitement, agents ask the drivers to take responsibility and be aware.

"During that evening drive very slow and defensive when in an area where children are present," Slaven said. "Don't tailgate. You never now when someone is dropping children off in front of you."

Police and agents both recommend parents put reflective pieces on their children's costumes.