HALLOWEEN SAFETY TIPS TO AVOID A PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT
Halloween marks the time when the Fall seasonal changes become more obvious than at other times of the year. The sun sets earlier. The nights get longer. Navigating through the dark is a common part of drives and walks. Nighttime driving and walking increase the risks of an auto accident or pedestrian accident, so it is important to take added precautions. This is especially true on Halloween as many parents and children walk around their neighborhoods at night collecting candy.
As stated by the Washington Post, fatal pedestrian accidents to children are three times more likely on Halloween. This risk for an accident increases as your child’s age decreases. While there is risk and danger during trick-or-treating and other Halloween activities set at night, these accidents are avoidable with alertness, knowledge, communication, and proper precautions. Both parents and children should take precautions when walking or driving at night, especially on Halloween!
Spear Greenfield cares about your child’s safety, so we have compiled a list of Halloween safety tips to ensure a safer experience:
#1 – USE SAFETY APPS
There are numerous apps related to walking and safety that are not just great resources for Halloween but should be used daily. According to Bankrate.com, there are applications for sharing locations while walking, such as Life 360, iOKAY, and Silent Beacon. Other apps can be used for alerting family, friends, or authorities when you are in danger, such as Red Panic Button, Zich, and Watch Over Me.
#2 – BRING A FLASHLIGHT
As Bankrate.com states, “flashlights can help you see and be seen better when you are walking at night.” Walking with a flashlight provides additional light that will allow cars to be aware of your presence. A flashlight can also be used to light your walking path. Obstacles such as potholes, roots, sidewalk cracks, uneven sidewalks, and rocks can cause a trip and fall injury.
#3 – PRACTICE PROPER WALKING PROCEDURES
Walking on the road or in bike lanes is dangerous. When walking from house to house, ensure you use sidewalks when available. If walking on the road is unavoidable, walk facing oncoming traffic. This positioning allows you to see when a car is coming to react accordingly.
#4 – BE ALERT
Whenever walking, especially at night, being aware of your surroundings is important. Focus your attention on the stretch of road 10 to 15 feet in-front of you. Avoid using your cell phone while walking. Make sure you also remind children to be alert while walking.
#5 – CHOOSE COSTUMES THAT ARE SAFE
Whether it is Halloween or any other night, wear bright and reflective clothing during a walk. Bright clothing enables drivers to see you better at night. Ensure your child’s costume is comfortable and does not create a tripping hazard. Use a mask that does not limit your child’s vision. Choose comfortable shoes that are easy for walking. Also, with the possibility of colder temperatures, make sure your child is dressed warm enough for trick-or-treating.
#6 – PLAN A ROUTE, COMMUNICATE, AND MONITOR
With simple communication, the risk of trick-or-treating can be substantially lowered. Pre-plan a trick-or-treating route with your children before they leave and agree on a time for them to return home. For young children, ensure a responsible adult is accompanying them while trick-or-treating. In some instances it may be prudent to use an app or device to monitor your child’s location during their trick-or-treating session.
COMMON SENSE IS THE KEY
Carelessness, lack of common-sense, and failure to communicate can lead to an avoidable Halloween night injury or accident. By using the precautions listed above and being alert, you can minimize the risk of a personal injury accident occurring on Halloween night. It is also important to teach your children the importance of awareness and review safety procedures before Halloween festivities.
In the event you suffered a pedestrian accident or personal injury accident, reach out to Rand Spear and the Spear Greenfield legal team now! We have been in business for over 30 years and have collected over 750 million dollars for our clients. We care about our clients, so we will learn about your personal injury accident and guide you through your legal options. Schedule a free consultation by calling us or completing our scheduling form.
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