Halloween is the time of year where an individual can dress as he pleases without judging eyes; where one can finally live his dream of being a banana for just one night.

For many children, it is also the perfect excuse to eat candy all night long.

But it is one of the most dangerous nights for children.

As many children gear up for a night of trick or treating, it is important for parents to talk to their little princesses or super heroes about taking necessary steps to being safe.

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children released helpful tips to parents on how to keep their children safe during Halloween.

Many of these tips suggest never letting young children go off on their own.

Some other tips include:

• making sure children never approach a vehicle unless the parent or guardian is with them,
• plan a route to take when trick or treating and never go into dark unfamiliar neighborhoods,
• never allowing children to eat unwrapped or homemade goodies and
• teaching children basic pedestrian rules.

According to and article in Tennessean.com, “Children are more than twice as likely to be killed by a car while walking on Halloween than any other night of the year.”

In the article, an analysis of deaths was taken from 2002-2006. It showed that children ages 14 and under are susceptible to being hit by a car on Halloween during the hours of 4 to 10 p.m.

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children also stated on its Web site that, “Nearly 94 percent of children between the ages of 4 and 12 participate in Halloween activities each year.”

With a high percentage of children partaking in the festivities of Halloween, it is an open invitation to all child predators.

Last Monday, 7-year-old Somer Thompson vanished while walking home from school.

Last Wednesday, her body was found in a landfill.

After, bickering with her twin brother and 10-year-old sister, Thompson walked ahead from the two and was never seen again.

She was abducted in broad daylight for everyone to see.

Just imagine how much easier it would be for an abduction to happen at night when everyone is in disguise.

Keeping your children or younger siblings close at all times can make the difference of a fun-filled night or a horrific, tragic Halloween.