Many parents, no doubt, are making the final preparations to find the exact costume for the annual event that will feature miniature candy bars and gumballs handed out to your children.

But trick-or-treating should also be a time to make sure your children are safe.

In the excitement of rushing from house to house, some children may innocently dash out into the street.

And with darkness coming an hour sooner next week (with Sunday being Daylight Saving Time), it will be that much harder to see parents and their children earlier in the evening hours.

Many tykes will be wearing costumes that may not be visually reflective, so we're encouraging motorists to especially keep a watchful eye out next Thursday.

Halloween is a time for fun for children, parents and all of us in our communities.

Taking a little extra time to exercise safety precautions could help someone avert a potential tragedy.