Kids love the magic of Halloween: Trick-or-treating, classroom parties and trips to a neighborhood haunted house. But for moms and dads, there is often a fine line between Halloween fun and safety concerns, especially when it comes to road and pedestrian safety.
And these safety concerns are valid, considering the statistics. In 2014, about 6,300 pedestrian deaths and 145,000 medically consulted injuries occurred among pedestrians in motor vehicle incidents, according to Injury Facts 2016, the statistical report on unintentional injuries created by the National Safety Council.
NSC research reveals the reasons for pedestrian deaths and injuries varies by age. Darting or running into the road accounts for about 70% of pedestrian deaths or injuries for those age 5 to 9 and about 47% of incidents for those 10 to 14.
In the U.S., October ranks No. 2 in motor vehicle deaths by month. NSC list put August first, with 3,370 deaths, followed by October, 3,200, and September, 3,170.
To help ensure adults and children have a safe holiday, our lawyers at Allen Flatt Balladis & Leslie have compiled a list of Halloween Safety Tips, including do's and don’ts you should keep in mind while on the trick-or-treat trail.
Safety Tips for Trick or Treating
- A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children on the neighborhood rounds. Children under the age of 12 should not be alone at night without adult supervision. If kids are mature enough to be out without supervision, they should stick to familiar areas that are well lit and trick-or-treat in groups.
- If your older children are going alone, plan and review the route that is acceptable to you.
- Agree on a specific time when children should return home.
- Only go to homes with a porch light on and never enter a home or car for a treat.
- Tell your children not to eat any treats until they return home.
Tips for Walking Safely
- Cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks.
- Look left, right and left again when crossing and keep looking as you cross.
- Put electronic devices down and keep heads up and walk, don’t run, across the street.
- Teach children to make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of them.
- Always walk on sidewalks or paths. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible. Children should walk on direct routes with the fewest street crossings.
- Watch for cars that are turning or backing up. Teach children to never dart out into the street or cross between parked cars.
Safety Tips for Motorists
- Slow down and be especially alert in residential neighborhoods. Children are excited on Halloween and may move in unpredictable ways.
- Take extra time to look for children at intersections, and watch out for children walking on roadways, medians and curbs.
- Enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully.
- Eliminate any distractions inside your car so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings.
- Drive slowly, anticipate heavy pedestrian traffic and turn your headlights on earlier in the day to spot children from greater distances.
- Popular trick-or-treating hours are 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. so be especially alert for kids during those hours.
- At twilight and later in the evening, watch for children in dark clothing.
Costumes
- When selecting a costume, make sure it is the right size to prevent trips and falls.
- All costumes, wigs and accessories should be fire-resistant.
- If children are allowed out after dark, fasten reflective tape to their costumes and bags to make sure they are visible.
- Have kids carry glow sticks or flashlights to help them see and be seen by drivers.
- Choose face paint and makeup whenever possible instead of masks, which can obstruct a child’s vision.
- When buying Halloween makeup, make sure it is nontoxic and always test it in a small area first.
- Remove all makeup before children go to bed to prevent skin and eye irritation.
Our Experienced Southern California Personal Injury Attorneys Are Here For You
If you or a loved one is involved in an accident during the Halloween season, we may be able to help. In cases where injuries occur as the result of another’s reckless or negligent conduct, contact Allen Flatt Ballidis & Leslie.
Our experienced personal injury attorneys provide the legal representation you need to protect your rights and can assist you in getting the compensation you deserve. We can advise you of your rights and whether your accident may warrant legal action. Contact us today at 949-752-7474 to discuss your accident completely free of charge.