RUTHERFORD COUNTY, TN (WGNS) - As children prepare to head out for Halloween fun Saturday evening, local safety officials and parents alike are being reminded that costumes are only part of the equation. Being seen is just as important.

In Murfreesboro, sunset on Halloween night arrives at approximately 5:51 p.m., meaning many trick-or-treaters will be walking through neighborhoods in fading light or complete darkness. That makes visibility a critical concern for families planning to spend the evening collecting candy.

Safety experts recommend adding reflective strips or reflective tape to costumes, candy bags, and shoes. Flashlights and battery-powered lanterns can also help make children more visible to motorists while lighting their way along sidewalks and driveways. Glow sticks are another popular option that can increase visibility without getting in the way of costumes.

Parents are encouraged to accompany younger children and remind older trick-or-treaters to cross streets at designated crossings when possible, look both ways before stepping into traffic, and avoid darting between parked vehicles. Motorists, meanwhile, should expect pedestrians in neighborhoods and residential areas throughout the evening and reduce their speed accordingly.

This year's Halloween safety message carries added weight in Murfreesboro following a heartbreaking tragedy. A 10-year-old child was struck and killed Thursday night on Middle Tennessee Boulevard near Southeast Broad Street. The incident has left many in the community grieving and serves as a sobering reminder of how quickly lives can change.

While the circumstances surrounding that crash are being investigated, the tragedy has heightened awareness about pedestrian safety across the community just as families prepare for Halloween activities.

For many children, Halloween is one of the most anticipated nights of the year. A few simple precautions, however, can help ensure the evening remains focused on costumes, candy, and good memories rather than preventable accidents.

As darkness falls over Murfreesboro on Halloween night, parents are being encouraged to take an extra moment before heading out the door. A reflective strip, a flashlight, or a battery-powered lantern may seem like a small addition to a costume, but those simple safety measures can make a child much easier to see and could make all the difference.