Amid the excitement of trick-or-treating and dressing up in costumes on Halloween, police and safety experts are reminding the public to also stay safe.

Some towns issued safety tips, while others are stepping up police patrols or have offered alternatives to trick-or-treating along roads.  

AAA issued a release Friday saying that when Halloween occurs on a weekend there are more safety risks.

In its release, AAA reported that fatal injuries from car crashes spike by nearly 50 percent when Halloween is on a Thursday, Friday or Saturday.

"The combination of drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs and increased pedestrian traffic on Halloween night is a deadly mix, so it's critical for both motorists and pedestrians to take extra caution and make sure this is a safe and happy Halloween for everyone," AAA spokesperson Amy Parmenter said in the written statement.

AAA provided advice for partygoers, including having a designated driver and a travel route that avoids residential neighborhoods, if possible, where there are likely many trick-or-treaters.

The association also says parents should review safety precautions and traffic safety rules with children, as well as ensure the children's costumes are well-fitting and won't cause them to trip.

Local police departments, including New London and Norwich, said regardless of the day Halloween falls on, they always step up patrols.

"The Police department does increase patrols during Halloween, adding additional resources for high visibility on the streets during times when children are going from house to house," New London Deputy Police Chief Peter Reichard said by email.

He added that this is a yearly practice to make sure Halloween is safe for everyone.

The Norwich Police Department always staffs additional personnel for the holiday, said Sgt. Jon Ley.

Ley said the department recommends safety tips for trick-or-treaters, including wearing bright colors and going out to trick-or-treat early, rather than late.

"Our primary focus will be on the trick-or-treaters and their safety," said Ley.

Several towns, including East Lyme and Colchester, hosted "Trick or Trunk" events in which youngsters trick or treat among the trunks of parked cars in a designated area.

"The 'Trick or Trunk' around this area of Connecticut has gotten very popular," said Mike McDowell, special events coordinator for East Lyme Parks and Recreation.

The event is geared towards younger trick-or-treaters, so children aren't walking outside along dark roads or running around near traffic, he said.

About 20 cars, including the East Lyme Police Department and Flanders Fire Department, participated in the third Trick or Trunk, which was hosted Thursday at the Smith-Harris House by the East Lyme Youth Services and Parks and Recreation Department. 

"It's a very positive, happy atmosphere," said McDowell. "It's fun to see all the little kids dressed up in costumes." 

In advance of Halloween, the Stonington Police Department issued a list of safety tips for trick-or-treaters, parents, businesses and motorists.

Police are reminding trick-or-treaters to carry a flashlight; stay in a group with an adult; never go into a stranger's house or car; refrain from eating candy until an adult checks it; always walk on the sidewalk, or on the grass away from the street, if there is no sidewalk; and to look both ways and take off any masks before crossing the street.

"Drive slowly and cautiously through your neighborhoods," the police write in their tips to motorists. "Remember children may not look before crossing the street."

k.drelich@theday.com

Twitter: @KimberlyDrelich