The Trick to a Safe Halloween

October may be known for its cool air, changing leaves, and cider donuts, but if you ask any child, this month is mostly known for Halloween. From planning their costumes to collecting as much candy as their trick-or-treating bags will hold, children look forward to this haunted holiday that is full of spooky tricks and sweet treats. However, there are some scary statistics when it comes to Halloween safety. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Halloween is the most dangerous night of the year for pedestrian fatalities. These tragic accidents can be avoided by keeping some important safety tips in mind before heading out this Halloween.

There are several Halloween-related safety issues that children and parents should be aware of, including costume choices, pedestrian safety, and using extra caution when driving, particularly when driving at night in residential areas where excited young trick-or-treaters may run across the street.

 Costume Safety

• Make sure that costumes and trick-or-treat bags are made with light colors or are decorated with reflective tape.
• Avoid wearing masks and use face paint or make up instead. Masks can obstruct a child’s vision, increasing the chance of tripping, falling, or running into other trick-or-treaters.
• Carry flashlights or glowsticks once the sun has gone down.
• If purchasing a costume from a store or online, make sure that it is the correct size. If it is too big, the child could easily trip on the loose fabric or other pieces of the costume that may drag on the ground.

Pedestrian Safety

• Cross streets at corners.
• Always look both ways before crossing the street.
• Stay on sidewalks or paths. If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic, keeping as far away from oncoming traffic as possible.
• Put phones and other electronic devices away as they can be very distracting.
• Be aware of your surroundings, particularly cars that are turning or backing up.
• Stay in areas that are familiar, and avoid homes that are not well-lit.
• Children under the age of 12 should be accompanied by an adult; those older than 12 should trick-or-treat in groups.

Use Extra Caution When Driving

• Slow down, particularly when driving through residential neighborhoods.
• When stopped at an intersection, take extra time to make sure that there are no children about to cross the street.
• When exiting or entering a driveway, drive very slowly and look out for small children passing by.
• Put electronic devices away when driving. Concentrate on the road ahead and the pedestrians who are out.
• Turn your headlights on at dusk so pedestrians can see you from far away.
• The most common trick-or-treating hours are from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Use extra caution during these hours.

Baltimore Car Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Secure Compensation for Victims of Car Accidents on Halloween

If you or a loved one was injured in a car accident on Halloween, you are urged to contact the Baltimore car accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton as soon as possible. We will protect your rights and secure the maximum financial compensation you deserve for your injuries. To schedule a free consultation, call us today at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.

Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Towson, allowing us to represent car accident victims in Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Prince George’s County, Queen Anne’s County, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.