MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WSFA) -The yards are decorated, the candy is bought, and the costumes are ready for a trick-or-treating night!

According to the National Retail Federation, total Halloween spending is expected to reach $11.6 billion. That’s about $104 per person, on average, for candy, decor, cards and Halloween costumes. Of that, $3.8 billion will buy candy, another $3.8 billion will be spent on decorations, and $3.5 billion is expected on costumes.

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) urges everyone to prioritize safety on Halloween night to avoid any scares.

“Halloween is meant to be a night of fun for everyone, but it’s important to remember that safety comes first,” said ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor. “We all have a duty to act responsibly not only to keep you safe but also those around you. If you are driving, please slow down and remain extremely alert this Thursday for pedestrians and children who may be walking on the road. Parents, please keep a close eye on your children when you go trick-or-treating. Stay in familiar areas and visit homes where you know individuals.”

ALEA offers the following 13 tips to avoid a scare this Halloween

Safety tips for drivers

• Watch out for tricksters or other pedestrians.
• Slow down and scan the road. Remember: lower speeds save lives.
• Watch your youngsters go rogue in unexpected places. Children may not be aware of traffic and dart into the street unexpectedly.
• If you see an impaired driver, contact law enforcement.

Safety tips for pedestrians

• Before the festivities begin, create a “buddy system” to get you home safely and prevent walking alone.
• Follow the traffic rules and obey the signs and signals.
• If possible, cross streets at crosswalks or intersections. Look for cars in all directions, including those turning left or right.

Safety tips for party goers

• Before you drink, choose a designated driver or schedule a rideshare, shuttle, or taxi service.
• If you drink, don’t drive — for any reason. Even a small amount of alcohol can affect the ability to drive.

Safety tips for hosts

• Be responsible and take steps to ensure guests get home safely.
• Be prepared to call taxis or rides, offer places to sleep or, if you are awake, drive guests home yourself.
• Collect the car keys from the drinking guests.

Montgomery Sheriff Derrick Cunningham hosts the Halloween Spooktacular every year to help keep Halloween safe. This year, the event is a drive-through at Garrett Coliseum starting at 5:30 p.m.

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