10 Tricky Tips to Help Prevent Halloween Hazards

You can enjoy Halloween at any age, which is good news for grown-ups who still like carving pumpkins, wearing crazy costumes and creating the spookiest graveyard in the neighborhood on the front lawn. Another bit of good news is CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky’s recent announcement that children are encouraged to go trick-or-treating outdoors this year. Nevertheless, Halloween poses other kinds of dangers for young ghosts and goblins. In fact, children are twice more likely to be killed by a car on Halloween than on any other day. However, taking simple precautions can help make Halloween safer and more enjoyable for kids of all ages.

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Halloween Safety Tips for Parents and Kids

Many residential neighborhoods do not have streetlights or sidewalks, so visibility is crucial when trick-or-treating at dusk or later. It’s also a good idea for parents to discuss basic safety protocols with older children, such as avoiding distractions from cell phones while driving and walking, using crosswalks and obeying traffic signals and watching for cars that are turning or backing up.

Here are 10 ways to reduce the risk of injuries on Halloween:

1)   Stay visible by wearing reflective clothing items or attaching reflective tape to the front and back of kids’ costumes and carry flashlights or glow sticks

2)   Accompany children under 12 on their rounds, even on your own block

3)   Remind older children to stay with their friends instead of going off alone

4)   Agree on a route and specific time for older kids to come home

5)   Teach all children never to enter a stranger’s home or vehicle

6)   Instruct kids not to eat their treats before you can inspect everything thoroughly at home

7)   Make sure all costumes, wigs and accessories are made of fire-resistant materials and avoid props with sharp ends such as swords

8)   Use battery-operated lights instead of candles to illuminate your porch or jack-o-lanterns

9)   Avoid using cell phones while walking to reduce the chance of tripping and falling

10) Choose masks for you and your kids that do not obstruct vision

Halloween Safety Tips for Motorists

It only takes a moment for a tragic accident to occur, so drivers should be especially cautious on Halloween. Because dressing in costume and going trick-or-treating is exciting for children, they may run across the street without looking or behave in other unpredictable ways.  

Here are some guidelines for Halloween drivers:

–  Turn headlights on earlier than usual to see children from greater distances

–  Watch for pedestrians at intersections and curbs

–  Be alert for children darting into the road or making other sudden moves  

–  Drive at a slower than usual speed, particularly in residential areas

–  Use extra caution entering or backing out of driveways

–  Avoid distractions from cell phones or other devices

–  Never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol

Put Our Experienced Car Accident Lawyers to Work for You Today

We hope everyone has a safe and fun-filled Halloween that includes creative costumes and plenty of delicious treats. However, if you or a loved one is injured in an auto accident, we can help. Our knowledgeable legal team knows what it takes to win your case, and we have the expertise and resources to make sure you receive the compensation you and your family deserve.

Car accident law is complicated, but finding the right car accident lawyer is simple.

Don’t let the legal clock run out. To get your case started, fill out the brief form below or call 1-800-CALL-SAM for a free, no-obligation remote consultation from the safety and comfort of your home.   

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