How to stay safe on the scariest night of the year

Halloween can be one of the deadliest nights of the year.  Car accidents are among the biggest risks and children are the most vulnerable victims. Lots of adults going to and from Halloween parties and lots of kids on the streets and sidewalks after dark create an environment ripe for pedestrian accidents.

On an average day of the year, alcohol is a factor in about 1/3 of fatal car crashes. On Halloween, that percentage goes up to 1/2.

On Halloween, pedestrians account for one out of every four people killed in car accidents – double the average for the rest of the year.

In addition to car accidents, Halloween festivities can lead to a handful of other potential dangers that can ruin the fun of the holiday.

For parents and kids:

To help your child stay safe while trick-or-treating this year, be aware of these tips:

• Make sure costumes are safe. Meaning: hems should be short enough that your child won’t trip and fall. Avoid masks that will obstruct vision. Shoes should be practical and good for walking. Avoid dark-colored costumes unless you embellish them with some reflective tape to help your child be seen by drivers in the dark.
• Make sure your child has a flashlight or glow stick to carry. But, be sure to tell them never to shine the light in a driver’s eyes!
• Teach your children how to cross the street safely, and remind them never to walk into the street from between two parked cars.
• Tell your children to always walk and not to run.
• If your children are young, make sure at least one adult goes with the kids through the neighborhood. If your children are old enough to go with their friends or siblings unsupervised, plan a route and make sure your children know where they are going, and when they are expected to be home.
• It’s a good idea to send children out with a cell phone in case they need to reach you, and so that they can check in with you at agreed-upon times.
• Like any other night of the year, teach your children never to enter someone’s home unless a parent is with them.

For teenagers and adults:

• If you’re going to a Halloween party, make sure you know how you’re going to get home before you head out. And, have a back up plan. If you drink, don’t drive. Call a sober friend, a cab, or an Uber.
• Try to limit travel on Halloween night, but if you are out driving, be extra careful. Eliminate distractions and scan the road ahead for pedestrians.
• Slow down, especially in residential areas where children are likely to be out in the streets. It’s important that you’re able to stop suddenly if you need to.
• If you’re having guests at your home or are expecting trick-or-treaters, be aware of some potentially hazardous situations:
• Make sure your front yard is well-lit, free of debris, and that there is a clear walkway for visitors.
• If you have a dog, it is best to keep him/her away from the door of your home when you are greeting trick-or-treaters. Even the most friendly dogs can become nervous or agitated with so many strangers coming to your home, and children may not know how to safely interact with a strange dog.

If you have a question about a Halloween accident, contact Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys day or night. Fill out our contact form, or call us at 855-866-5529.