The Minnesota Department of Public Safety and Austin Police Department urge caution this evening for the increased pedestrian traffic throughout the Halloween afternoon and evening hours. Drivers must be particularly mindful to scan streets and intersections for trick-or-treaters and their parents.

“The bottom line is we want everyone to have a safe and fun evening tonight,” said Austin Police Chief Brian Krueger.

Krueger added the recommended trick-or-treating time is from 5 to 8 p.m. in Austin. He encourages people to wear brighter colors, parents to accompany children and to only knock on doors with outside lights turned on.

October was the deadliest month for pedestrians from 2007-2011, followed by December and November, according to the DPS. Preliminary data from the Minnesota DPS show that 27 pedestrians to date have been killed on Minnesota roads in 2012, compared to 22 at this time in 2011. This includes two pedestrian fatalities so far in October 2012, compared to six in October 2011, seven in October 2010 and five in October 2009.