October 30, 2015 | Personal Injury, Premises Liability | Halloween, Safety Tips
Avoiding injury for a safe and fun Halloween
Halloween is an exciting time for both children and adults. Unfortunately, statistics show that children have been hurt in accidents at a significantly higher rate on Halloween than on an average day and that many of these accidents could have been avoided. Now that you’ve chosen your costume and the big day is here, we want to share a few safety tips that can help keep you and your children safe.
Tips for trick-or-treaters
- Children should move in groups and be supervised by a responsible adult.
- Avoid walking in the street whenever possible. If there is no sidewalk available, stay to the far edge of the road, facing traffic.
- Don’t assume you have the right of way. Often motorists have trouble seeing trick-or-treaters at night and may not stop. Be sure that a car has already stopped before stepping out in front of it.
- Limit the number of times you cross the street. Visit all the houses on one side of the street before crossing and visiting the houses on the other side.
- Do not enter the street to cross from between two parked cars.
- Remind your children to never enter a home or a car, for any reason.
- Agree on a plan and tell your child what to do in case he or she gets lost from the group.
- Carry flashlights after dark. This will help you see cracks in the sidewalk or other obstacles and help drivers see you when crossing the street.
- Use reflective tape on costumes and bags to help increase visibility to drivers.
- Choose a costume that is the right length. A costume that reaches the floor can cause a child to trip and fall.
- Since masks can sometimes obstruct a child’s vision, try non-toxic face paint and makeup whenever possible.
- If your child’s costume includes accessories, make sure they are soft and flexible.
- Make sure your costume is flame resistant. Remember that even when wearing a flame resistant costume, it is important to avoid getting near candles or other potential sources of fire.
- Put your cell phone away and keep your head up while walking.
Tips for Drivers
- Drive slowly. Even children who know the rules sometimes get caught up in the excitement and run into the street without looking.
- Enter and exit driveways slowly.
- Turn your headlights on earlier in the day to help you see children and to help them see you.
- Do not look away from the road to check your phone or for any other reason. It only takes a second for a child to run out from between parked cars or at an intersection.
- As always – DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE!
Tips for homeowners
- Keep your steps and walkways clear of any tripping hazards.
- Keep your pets inside. Even friendly animals can get confused or excited by all of the people coming and going and potentially act aggressively.
- Keep your property well lit.
- Offer only store bought treats.
Despite our best efforts, sometimes injuries do occur. In the event of an injury, the most important thing to do is seek the appropriate medical attention. In any situation, the health and well-being of you and your child should be your number one priority.
If you have been seriously injured in a car accident, pedestrian accident or due to the negligence of a property owner or product manufacturer, give us a call. We are happy to offer a free confidential case evaluation to explain your rights and determine if you may be entitled to compensation for your injury.
On behalf of Attorney Gregory W. Bagen and his staff, we wish you a Happy and Safe Halloween.