Halloween Safety
Young children are not the only ones that look forward to Halloween. Many teenagers and adults spend countless hours creating elaborate costumes, parties, and decorations. Taking the time to understand safety risks and preparing to celebrate safely should also be part of this holiday’s planning.
Pedestrian Accidents on Halloween
A National Safety Council report showed that approximately 7,330 pedestrian fatalities occurred in 2016. Of these, around 18 percent happened when pedestrians were crossing streets. Sadly, children are over two times as likely to get hit by a motor vehicle on Halloween than any other time of year. October also ranks second in monthly motor vehicle fatalities. There are ways to avoid the likelihood of Halloween accidents, and everyone who observes it should be familiar with safety guidelines.
Safe Trick-or-Treating
Kids get excited about Halloween, but this should not overshadow their welfare. Adults should use common sense when prepping their kids for the big night out. Discussing a safe plan of action should be first. Younger ones should be accompanied by adults and be kept in sight. Their hands should be held when crossing streets, and traffic light signals should be adhered.
Older children should share their routes with parents and agree on a curfew. All trick-or-treaters should have reflective stickers or other brightly colored items attached to dark clothing that may be hard for motorists to see. Masks should allow the wearer to see well and not block peripheral vision. After everyone gets home, contents and candy should be checked thoroughly. Any items not completely wrapped and homemade items should not be consumed.
Staying in Control
Before heading out, kids should be warned and instructed not to speak with people they do not know. They should also be cautioned against using cell phones while walking, especially when crossing streets.
Teens, and even adults, can get a little crazy on Halloween and Mischief Night. Darting into streets, drinking and driving, and revelry can all result in serious accidents. Vandalism is another concern. Damaging other people’s property is never a good idea. Not only is it ethically wrong, it can make victims angry enough to retaliate.
Drivers Must Also Be Cautious
Usually, most kids are out on Halloween from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Anyone driving through neighborhoods on this holiday must be on guard, since youngsters can be unpredictable. Driving slowly and being patient when children cross streets is paramount. Keeping headlights on and using extra care when driving into and backing out of driveways is also helpful.
Highland Park Personal Injury Lawyers at the Law Offices of Harold J. Gerr Advocate for Safety on Halloween
At the Law Offices of Harold J. Gerr, our Highland Park personal injury lawyers work hard to obtain compensation for injuries on holidays and throughout the year. We are experienced with all types of personal injuries and accidents and will fight for your rights. For a free consultation, call us today at 732-537-8570 or contact us online. Located in Highland Park, New Jersey, we serve clients from the surrounding areas, including New Brunswick, Somerset, and Piscataway.
