Halloween brings out the spookiest goblins, most delicious caramel apples, and festivities that excite both children and adults alike.
While most people look forward to Halloween, it is one dreaded by emergency room physicians and first responders. Sadly, Halloween is one of their busiest times of the year, and most of the accidents and injuries they treat are preventable.
Pedestrian accidents increase during Halloween, especially with young children out at night trick-or-treating and motor vehicles failing to look out for them. In 2014, the National Safety Council states that 6,300 pedestrian deaths and 145,000 pedestrian injuries occurred. October ranks second highest for these incidents, with a vast majority happening during the Halloween season.
5 Ways to Stay Safe on Halloween
Whether you are an adult with children ready to go out and collect candy, a teen ready to hang out with friends, or a college student attending a Halloween party – do not go out until you review these five essential safety tips.
Walk Carefully
Drivers are supposed to look for pedestrians, but that does not mean that they do. Always cross the street using the corners and designated crosswalks. Always look both ways before crossing, regardless of whether or not you are using a crosswalk. When walking down the street, use the sidewalk or designated pedestrian pathways. Lastly, look for cars and try to make eye contact with the driver before walking behind or in front of a vehicle.
Adults Go with Children on Halloween Night
If your child is under the age of 12, they should not be trick-or-treating alone. Instead, go along with your children to make sure they only go where they should. If your children are mature enough to trick-or-treat alone, give them a specific area where they can go.
Drive Slowly and Extra Cautious on Halloween
To avoid being in an accident, drive slowly through neighborhoods on Halloween night. Be on the lookout for children, especially in dark costumes. Most children trick-or-treat between 5:30 pm and 9:30 pm.
Put Reflective Material or Glow Sticks on Your Child
To improve your child’s visibility to motorists, make sure their costume has a reflective strip or have your child wear glow sticks so that they stick out at night and are easily seen.
Do Not Drink and Drive
Drinking and driving is common on Halloween, but that does not mean you need to be part of the statistics. Have a designated driver for your Halloween parties. If hosting a party, call a cab for drivers that are too inebriated to drive, and take keys from drivers who have more than one drink.
Injured on Halloween? You Have Options
Despite your best efforts to stay safe, you may still suffer a serious injury. If that injury was caused by another person’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation.
For serious injuries, contact the injury team from Van Sant Law, LLC. Contact our offices to schedule your free consultation now at (800) 234-9556 or request an appointment by filling out an online contact form.