Halloween is a fun holiday enjoyed by countless American families each year. Here are some tips to ensure you and your family remain safe this Halloween.
As soon as the sun goes down on October 31st, many streets and neighborhoods are bustling with pedestrian activity. While it’s fun seeing costumes and folks enjoying themselves, this unique holiday can bring out some safety concerns.
Unfortunately, situations can become unsafe with the number of people out and about after dark. That is especially true with traffic and safety rules disregarded as kids and teens flood the streets trick or treating.
We’ve outlined our top safety tips that you might find helpful in keeping you and your loved ones safe this Halloween.
Be Extra Cautious Driving
Did you know the risk of a pedestrian fatality involving a vehicle is 43% higher on Halloween night? That is due to the “perfect storm” that occurs each Halloween. There is a stark increase in pedestrian traffic during nighttime hours, alcohol and other substances often get abused at adult parties, and many local rules and regulations regarding pedestrian traffic get broken.
It doesn’t help that many pedestrians out after dark are children! Children tend to leap out into the road or dart across a dark street unexpectedly. Parents, be sure to accompany your children while trick-or-treating, especially if they are under 13.
For this reason, it’s important to drive slowly and carefully on Halloween night. Be cautious of children in the roadways and drunk or impaired drivers.
Dog Safety
Because trick-or-treating involves children going door-to-door for candy, a run-in with an unfamiliar dog may occur. Many dogs may experience anxiety with so many strange people coming onto their property, and the dog may behave aggressively.
Around 4.5 million people fall victim to dog bites yearly in this country. If you’re a dog owner, ensure your dog is inside and inaccessible to trick-or-treaters. If you’re a parent trick-or-treating with your child, educate them on how to behave around dogs they do not know. Never approach a dog you do not know, and make sure your children understand the risks associated with dog bites.
Slips, Trips, and Falls
No one expects to get hurt on Halloween, but it can happen. Because Halloween occurs in late October, early winter weather can make an appearance in many parts of the country. Before allowing your children to trick-or-treat, ensure everyone is up to date on the latest weather report.
Rain, sleet, and snow can occur and make an injury more likely. Be sure to wear appropriate footwear for the forecasted weather.
If you’re a property owner, do your part in clearing any ice, snow, or standing water to reduce the chances of a trick-or-treater getting hurt.
What To Do If You’re Injured
Unexpected injuries can happen. If you’ve been injured, seek appropriate medical care right away. If you believe you or a family member has gotten hurt due to reckless negligence, don’t hesitate to contact us.
Here at Brandon J Broderick, we understand sustaining an injury can be a stressful and scary experience. We pledge to do our part to minimize the stress you’re feeling by working hard to get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.