Beware motorists: Little ghosts and goblins may be the move in your neighborhood, so take extra care while driving this Halloween. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, October 31 is the second highest pedestrian death day of the year behind July 4.

“Trick-or-treating is a cherished tradition, but the excitement of the night can cause children to forget to be careful,” Allstate spokesperson Chris Conner said. “Drivers need to stay alert and be aware that quiet streets might be busy with youngsters enjoying the holiday.”

The following tips from the Allstate Insurance Company and the National Highway Traffic Safety Association offer some excellent guidelines for ensuring that children have a safe Halloween and motorists use caution:

-Obey all traffic rules.

-Slow down. Watch for children walking on roads, medians and curbs; and take notice if there are no sidewalks.

-Enter and exit driveways carefully.

-Be especially alert. Children are darting out from between parked vehicles and from behind bushes.

-Never drink and drive. If you are attending a Halloween party, designate a driver.

-Keep your eyes on the road. Neighborhoods that don't normally have pedestrian or bicycle traffic may experience an increase in activity on Halloween.

-Remember that children are excited and may forget to stop, look and listen before crossing the street.

-Be patient. Young children need time to cross the street, especially if their costumes impair their ability to see or hear what is around them.

For more information on Halloween safety, call Tim Jameson at 882-8100 or visit the agency at 233 Bath Road in Wiscasset.