CLEVELAND — As Halloween festivities begin Thursday, families are gearing up for a night of costumes, candy and spooky fun.

But with hundreds of trick-or-treaters expected to fill the neighborhoods, safety remains a top priority. Here’s what you need to know before you hit the streets.

If you’re out with little ones, AAA recommends that parents accompany children under 12, even if they’re familiar with the area.

Before you leave home, check those Halloween costumes to be safe. Masks can restrict vision, so using face paint can help children see more clearly in the darker evening hours.

Adding reflective tape to dark suits is also encouraged to improve driver visibility.

With pedestrian traffic expected to increase in residential neighborhoods, drivers are urged to use caution and slow down.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) advises drivers to slow down to at least five miles per hour below posted limits in residential areas.

AAA’s Linda Lambert points out that “a pedestrian hit by a car going 35 miles per hour is twice as likely to die as one hit by a car going 45 miles per hour.”

In addition, drivers should be aware of crosswalks, driveways and driveways as children and families move from house to house.

If you’re venturing to a new area, OSHP advises parents not to dress their children in costumes until they arrive. Bulky suits can interfere with car seat harnesses, so waiting to get dressed can increase safety while traveling.

“Try to wait until you get to your destination to get into your suits,” said Sergeant Bridget Matt of the OSHP. “That way, children are safe in their car seats and seat belts can work effectively if needed.”

Encourage children to stay on sidewalks and use crosswalks, even if they are familiar with the neighborhood. If a house has dim lights or isn’t lit, it’s best to skip it, as they may not participate in trick-or-treating.