While trick-or-treating is still technically allowed this year, state leaders are imposing restrictions and asking parents to take their children out before the sun goes down. Whether you are skipping the tradition all together, or not, there are still risks. Every parent or guardian does their best to keep their children safe on Halloween, however, accidents can and do occur.
In fact, Halloween is actually considered the most dangerous holiday of the year for child pedestrian fatalities. Then, when we turn the clocks back on November 1st, and the risks for pedestrians increase. In fact, 25 percent of accidents occur around dusk, which represents 30 percent of all pedestrian fatalities each year. While we don’t mean to spook you, your health and safety is important to all of us at Sheeley Law. Please read our safety tips below to protect you and your loved ones:
Safety Tips for Pedestrians:
Masks will undoubtedly be required this Halloween, given the health risks. Make sure your child’s mask does not obstruct their vision. Consider adding lights and reflectors to their costumes so they are more visible to drivers.
Make sure your trick-or-treaters walk, not run, to the next house and they stay on sidewalks in well-lit areas. If there is no sidewalk available, make sure you are walking facing traffic to help avoid accidents.
Keep alert at all times; don’t be distracted by electronic devices. This is a growing and serious hazard.
Whenever possible, walk on the sidewalk and cross at crosswalks or intersections. If neither are available, walk facing traffic and cross in a well-lit area where you have the best view of oncoming traffic.
Never assume cars see you. Be visible at all times and wave down drivers as they approach to make sure you are seen.
Watch for cars entering and exiting driveways or backing up in parking lots. Again, wave down drivers to ensure they see you.
Safety Tips for Drivers:
Reduce your speed, especially in residential areas, and be on the lookout for pedestrians everywhere, at all times to help avoid accidents.
Never pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk. There may be people crossing that you can’t see.
Turn headlights on as soon as the sun sets to increase visibility, and take extra caution when entering or exiting driveways or going through intersections.
See extra caution when backing up, pedestrians can unknowingly move into your path before you see them.
Never drink and drive! Designate a driver, call an Uber, Lyft or cab if you are partying, on Halloween or any other day of the year.
Sheeley Law wants you to be safe and healthy this Fall. If you or a loved one are injured in an accident, Sheeley Law is here for you. Personal Injury Attorney Ann Sheeley has more than 25 years of experience serving our local community and is available to you 24/7. Please contact us by calling 401-619-5555 or emailing asheeley@sheeleylaw.com.