Halloween is just around the corner, and as you prepare your little goblins and ghouls for trick-or-treating, you should also prepare them to be safe. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that, on Halloween, children are four times more likely to be hit by an automobile. Whether you are staying close to your neighborhood, are driving around town, or are attending an event, it is important to make sure your family knows how to stay safe.
Safety Tips for Trick-or-Treating
If you and your children are planning to trick-or-treat, consider the following safety tips:
- Wear bright-colored clothing and reflective tape.
- Avoid masks or costumes that interfere with your vision and line of sight.
- Avoid props that are sharp or could injury children if they fall.
- Make sure each person walking has a working flashlight.
- Stay on sidewalks and crosswalks as much as possible.
- If sidewalks are not available, walk facing traffic so you can be easily seen.
- Always trick-or-treat in groups, with a parent or other adult.
- Keep children from running toward or across the road, as it may startle drivers.
Parents
For parents, there are a few specific things you can do to help ensure that your Halloween is safe and lots of fun. Consider these safety tips:
- If you are not going out trick-or-treating with your kids, make sure there is a responsible adult available to accompany children under 12.
- Prepare a route for trick-or-treating and discuss the map with your kids.
- Set a specific time for trick-or-treaters to be home. Enforce that time.
- Teach children to only approach homes that are well-lit, have decorations out, or are neighbors that they know. Make sure they know not to enter a home or garage, or approach strangers on the street.
- Make sure that your kids are wearing reflective tape or brightly colored clothing with their costumes.
- Encourage your kids not to eat their treats until they are home safe.
Motorists
On Halloween, safety should also be a significant concern for motorists. There are some specific considerations that motorists should pay attention to, such as:
- When driving in residential areas, slow down! Plan to drive at least five miles-per-hour (mph) below the posted speed limit.
- Be mindful that children will be on or around the roadway, and many of them will be wearing dark-colored clothing or costumes. Pay extra attention!
- Be especially careful driving through crowded areas where trick-or-treaters may have to walk between parked cars to cross the street.
- If there are trick-or-treaters on the roadway, turn on your headlights, even if it isn’t dark yet.
- Keep an eye on what is going on around you. Look for kids in yards, near porches, or entering or exiting vehicles near the road.
Keeping Your Family Safe
Keeping your family safe is one of your top priorities. At Daic Law, we also want to help make sure that you and your family have a wonderful, safe Halloween. If you have questions about pedestrian laws, automobile accidents, or your legal rights when on or near the roadway, contact our office. We are here to help! Call us at (713) 808-5246, or send us an email at info@daiclaw.com.
Sources: