Halloween is a fun time of year for children and adults alike, but one misstep could lead to injuries for your child and a trip to the hospital. While you can work with an attorney to obtain compensation, the best method is always to avoid getting injured in the first place. Trick-or-Treating happens during the day and night depending on the location, and many parties and events are taking place around the state. Around 89 percent of parents have reported that their children take part in Halloween activities, but some of those activities can become dangerous for children.
Over twice as many children are killed in vehicle accidents as pedestrians between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m. on Halloween as compared to the same times on other days during the year; this scary statistic shows why it’s important to talk to your child about safety.
Drivers should be slowing down and need to be alert in residential areas. Trick-or-Treat times vary, so children could be out at any time during the day or night of Halloween. Children are also a bit more unpredictable on Halloween, since they may be excited and having fun, so drivers should remember to anticipate children moving in odd manners. If drivers have distractions in their vehicles, they should reduce or eliminate them to concentrate on the road during this day.
Parents can also help keep their children safe by walking with children under the age of 12. They should be sure to help their children use crosswalks and be wary of vehicles traveling through the area. Costumes should have reflective tape or elements that can help drivers see them better. Glow sticks and flashlights can be used at night to prevent accidents involving drivers who weren’t able to see a child in costume. Finally, be sure to avoid busy streets and intersections where there are few residences, because drivers in the area may not be expecting Trick-or-Treaters to be present.
Source: Safe Kids Worldwide, “Halloween Safety: A National Survey of Parents’ Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors,” accessed Oct. 28, 2015