As the autumn season hits full swing, so do fall celebrations, including Halloween. Children are always excited to dress up in costumes and go trick-or-treating on Halloween, which raises the need to exercise safety. Unfortunately, statistics reveal that children are more than twice as likely to be fatally hit by a car on Halloween, making parents especially concerned for their kid’s safety on Halloween. Luckily, as active members of the community, it is easy to protect your children and others using some safety precautions.
When your children are walking around neighborhoods for trick-or-treating, remind them to stay on paths or sidewalks and to only cross the street at corners after looking both ways and watching for cars turning or backing up before crossing. They should also be encouraged to stay observant and refrain from using electronic devices. These safety reminders are important to protect children since they can often be over-excited on Halloween and their behavior may be unpredictable when walking from house-to-house. Parents are advised to accompany kids under the age of 12 for trick-or-treating and if their older child is going out without an adult, parents should plan and review an acceptable route for them to trick-or-treat. Additionally, children should be reminded to only visit well-lit houses, to never accept a ride from a stranger, and to only enter a home with a trusted adult.
Regarding costumes for Halloween, it is important to make them as safe as possible to ensure your child’s well-being when trick-or-treating. Costumes and bags for candy should be decorated with reflective tape or stickers or chosen in light colors if possible. This helps drivers see kids walking in dim or dark lighting. It is also recommended that kids carry glow sticks or flashlights to help them and others see and be seen. Children should be advised to refrain from eating candy until a parent can examine the treats for choking hazards or tampering. Additionally, children should avoid eating homemade treats prepared by strangers. To make things even safer, if you are expecting a trick-or-treater, be sure that all walking areas and stairs are well-lit and free of obstacles.
When driving in neighborhoods on Halloween, drivers should use caution, make sure the car’s headlights are turned on, drive slowly and be alert for pedestrians. Popular trick-or-treating hours are typically between 5:30-9:30 p.m., so it is important to be especially cautious of children walking during that time. Remembering these safety tips ensures that parents and children have a safe Halloween while trick-or-treating.
Even when using caution, there is still the possibility of being injured on this holiday, which can result in pain and suffering for those involved. If you or a loved one has suffered harm or injury due to the negligence of another party, contact one of our attorneys today at (217) 443-4343 to discuss your situation and receive a free consultation.
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