It’s October, which means one of America’s favorite holidays is just around the corner! Costumes and candy are what first comes to mind when most of us think of Halloween. However, this holiday also comes with a great deal of injuries. We want to remind everyone the importance of being extra cautious whether they’re trick-or-treating or out on the road. So, here are a few safety tips to keep you and your loved ones safe this year.

There will be tons of tiny trick-or-treaters out and about excited to get to the next stop for their haul of candy. According to Safe Kids Worldwide, children under the age of 12 should be accompanied by an adult. Don’t forget to implement and ensure that the children under your supervision are aware of pedestrian safety. Also, it is also important to keep their costumes safe!

• Cross the street at designated corners and crosswalks.
• Look left, right and left again before crossing, staying aware of your surroundings while you cross.
• Stay on paths or sidewalks as much as possible.
• Always keep an eye out for vehicles.
• Wear flame resistant costumes.
• Avoid any baggy and/or long costumes that could be caught on anything or tripped over.
• Carry flashlights, glow sticks or use reflective tape.

Halloween is one of the most dangerous times out of the year to be on the road. According to Texas Department of Transportation, “Saturday, October 29th and Sunday February 21th were the deadliest days in 2016 with twenty-three persons killed in traffic crashes. October was the deadliest month with 382 persons killed.” With trick-or-treaters being out at dark and adults out partying and drinking, it is so very important to be especially careful this holiday.

• This should go without saying, but DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE!
• Please have a designated driver set up or call an Uber or Lyft  to take you home if you weren’t expecting to drink.
• Drive slowly, being very aware of all your surroundings.
• Don’t pass up stopped vehicles, there may be trick-or-treaters ready to pile out of the car.
• Always watch for children who may not know how to safely cross the street or see your vehicle coming.
• Avoid using your phone while driving. It only takes those few moments of distraction to make a fatal mistake. It can wait.

Unfortunately, not everyone who will be celebrating Halloween this year will know or care to take these extra measures of safety. If you or a loved one have been injured due to the negligence of another please contact personal injury lawyers at the Merman Law Firm for assistance immediately. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.

Sources:

https://www.safekids.org/tip/halloween-safety-tips

https://ftp.dot.state.tx.us/pub/txdot-info/trf/crash_statistics/2016/01.pdf