Traffic accidents – including cars and pedestrians are the number one safety concern for Halloween weekend since many excited children and tipsy celebrating adults may forget to be careful. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, about 4,000 children aged 5 to14 are injured in pedestrian accidents between 4 and 10 p.m. on Halloween evening. That number is about four times greater than any other night.
If you are driving during Halloween weekend, avoid auto accidents and injuries by taking a few precautions, including:
- Do not drink and drive.
- Stay alert and drive slowly.
- Do not expect children to cross at designated crosswalks.
- Expect pedestrians to dart from in between parked cars.
- Do not pass stopped vehicles that may be dropping off children.
- Do not text or talk on your cell phone while driving.
If you are a parent or guardian, protect your children and other trick-or-treaters by ensuring a safe and fun Halloween environment:
- Remove objects from your yard that could trip or injure someone.
- Make sure your porch and walkway is adequately lighted.
- Move lit pumpkins away from where children may be standing and walking.
- Dogs and other pets should be restrained and kept away from visiting children.
Be sure to accompany your younger children who are trick-or-treating. Don’t forget to bring a flashlight or glow stick, and dress your children in light-colored costumes. Set a curfew for older children who are trick-or-treating with friends, and make sure you know what street route they will be taking.
Have a safe and happy Halloween!
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car or pedestrian accident in Palm Beach County, Florida or the surrounding areas, please contact experienced accident attorneys Gonzalez & Cartwright at 1-888-888-3903 to schedule a consultation.
