NORFOLK, Va. — Halloween is a treat for children, but it can be tricky for drivers.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the pedestrian death rate among children is four times higher on Oct. 31 than any other evening. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that most of these deaths occur between 4 and 8 p.m.But you can help avoid accidents by practicing a few simple driving rules:

• Drive well below the posted speed limit in residential areas.

• Stay alert, since children may dart into the street, especially from behind parked cars.

• Never assume that children will see your vehicle and stop. Costumes can limit their visibility, so they may not even see you, and they are excited and may not be paying attention.

• When accompanying a group of children in your car, stay close to the curb and make sure your hazard lights are on.

• If a vehicle is slowing or stopped in front of you, do not pass. Trick-or-treaters may be crossing the street in front of them, or the vehicle could be dropping off children.

• Stay focused on driving. Distractions such as talking on a cell phone, looking at the navigation system, adjusting the stereo or changing the climate control can lead to an accident.

• Make sure your children know to stop and look left-right-left before crossing a street. They should cross only at intersections or crosswalks. Make sure their costumes are brightly colored and have reflective material, so that motorists can see them.