Halloween is almost here! As the days grow shorter and the nights colder, families around the country are getting ready for an evening of trick-or-treating with their little ghouls and goblins. But watch out—there’s something truly scary lurking around the corner (and it isn’t the monster under your bed): pedestrian fatalities are approximately 43% more common on Halloween night as compared to a typical evening. Unfortunately, children are especially affected by this increase, with pedestrian fatalities of children aged 4 to 8 being ten times more likely on Halloween.
These statistics are certainly frightening. However, it’s still possible to have a fun and safe Halloween with your little ones. By preparing for Halloween night with safety in mind, you can make sure that you and your family have a treat-filled holiday with no tricks. Here are some practical ways to stay safe while trick-or-treating this year:
For Pedestrians and Parents:
Always Supervise Children
Trick-or-treating is a family affair. Take this time to make memories with your little ones while teaching them about pedestrian safety. Halloween night is a great time to practice safety skills while walking from house to house. Every time you cross the street, pause and practice looking both ways. Encourage your child to hold your hand until it is time for them to knock on a door or ring a doorbell. Drilling these skills will help keep your children safe both on Halloween and every other night of the year.
Keep the Phone Away
Parents are busy people. In the modern age, it can be easy to get distracted by social media, work emails, phone calls and texts, or infinite other notifications that may pop up on your phone screen. However, in the hubbub of Halloween activities, it is critical to stay alert and keep a close eye on your child. It may only take a moment for your little monster to slip out of sight and into the road, and focusing on your phone also makes it more likely that you may trip on the sidewalk or run into an unsuspecting trick-or-treater. Staying device-free during trick-or-treating promotes both safety and the making of happy holiday memories
Choose Highly Visible Costumes
The easier it is for a driver to see your child, the safer they will be. Choose costumes with bright colors or reflective or light-up elements to improve visibility. Many costume parts such as masks, wands, and hair accessories now come with LED lights that flash and blink. You may even be able to find a light-up treat bucket! Does your child have their heart set on dressing up as a ninja, grim reaper, or other shadowy figure? Consider adding some reflective tape to the costume for improved visibility or having your child carry a flashlight.
Start Early
Many cities and counties have designated trick-or-treating hours. Check your local news or government website to see when trick-or-treating starts in your area. Consider starting near the beginning of trick-or-treating time to take advantage of the daylight and avoid walking around after sunset. If you’re not sure when the sun will set on Halloween this year, try putting your location into this sunset calculator and planning to make your rounds an hour or two beforehand.
Consider a Trunk-or-Treat Event
Trunk-or-treating is a relatively modern alternative to classic trick-or-treating. At a trunk-or-treat event, families walk through a parking lot (often at a school, church, or other public venue) and visit the trunks of decorated, parked cars to receive their treats. Because there will be no cars driving around the parking lot for the duration of the event, children can collect candy safely. If you don’t feel completely comfortable going door to door, trunk-or-treating offers a great alternative for kids to get treats without the danger of walking in the road. Try searching “trunk or treat <your city here>” on a search engine or social media to find an event near you.
For Drivers:
Participate in Trick-or-Treating
Did you receive an invite to the season’s coolest Halloween party? If so, you may be tempted to head there ASAP, perhaps during peak trick-or-treating time. Unfortunately, driving during trick-or-treating hours increases the likelihood of an accident. Instead, consider handing out candy until the crowds start to thin out. The less children walking about, the safer it will be to drive to the festivities. With Halloween falling on a Friday this year, you’ll likely have plenty of time to hand out candy and enjoy a party afterwards without having to worry about being too tired for work the next day.
Drive Slowly and Stay Alert
If you must drive during trick-or-treating hours, it is critical that you slow down and keep a sharp eye out, especially while driving in residential areas. Children may dart into the road or cross the street without looking, potentially leading to an accident. If you need to be at an event at a specific time, leave early so that you don’t feel pressured, rushed, or like you need to speed.
Plan for a Sober Ride Home
Attending a party with some spooky cider or paranormal punch? Have a plan to get back home that doesn’t involve drinking and driving. Approximately 30% of all traffic crash fatalities in the United States involve drunk drivers, with approximately one person every 42 minutes dying in a drunk-driving crash. Plan ahead to schedule a rideshare service or to designate a sober driver to take you home at the end of the night. In Virginia, causing a fatal crash while drunk could result in up to a 20-year prison sentence. Now that’s scary.
Contact our experienced attorneys now
Whether it happens on Halloween or any other day of the year, a car crash or pedestrian accident can seriously impact your life. These claims require the expertise of dedicated lawyers who have experience advocating for the injured. At Allen & Allen, our team of attorneys will fight for you to receive fair compensation that reflects the true value of your losses. Schedule your free consultation with one of our lawyers today. We will review your case, go over your options, and help you take the first steps towards justice.
