Halloween is a holiday that is fun for both kids and adults. But as a car accident lawyer, there are pedestrian safety issues that must be considered to ensure that trick-or-treaters and drivers enjoy this special night without incident. This article provides tips on how to avoid accidents while trick-or-treating or driving on Halloween night.
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Costumes should be light-colored or bright so they are visible to drivers.
- Costumes should be light-colored or bright so they are visible to drivers.
- Costumes should not be longer than the child is tall.
- Children under 10 years old should be accompanied by an adult who can help them stay safe while walking in the dark and crossing streets.
A child’s costume should not be longer than the child’s tall.
A child’s costume should not be longer than the child is tall. Costumes that are too long can cause a child to trip or get caught on something. Similarly, costumes should also avoid being heavy or bulky, as this can make it difficult for children to move around easily.
Trick-or-treaters should not wear masks that impair their vision in any way.
Children should not wear masks that impair their vision in any way. Masks that impair vision can cause children to trip and fall, or to trip and fall into traffic. If you must wear a mask, make sure it does not cover your entire face—you want to be able to see what’s going on around you!
Children under 10 years old should be accompanied by an adult who can help them stay safe walking in the dark and crossing streets.
Children under 10 years old should be accompanied by an adult who can help them stay safe while walking in the dark and crossing streets.
In general, adults should keep an eye on children at all times. If a child is not with a parent or guardian, make sure you know where he or she lives so you can take him or her back home safely if you have any trouble finding parents.
Children should not cross the street alone. Additionally, they should wait for traffic lights to turn green or wait for the “walk” signal before crossing.
Trick-or-treaters should carry a flashlight after dark, or place reflective tape or stickers on their costumes to reflect any headlights.
- Carry a flashlight. If you’re going trick-or-treating after dark, carry a flashlight with you (in addition to your costume’s reflective tape or stickers). A flashlight is an important safety tool for children, as it will help them see the uneven ground and dangerous obstacles that might be in their way.
- Place reflective tape or stickers on your costume. Reflective tape can also help make a trick-or-treater more visible in the dark and allow drivers to see them from far away.
Trick-or-treaters should only walk on sidewalks and crosswalks, and look both ways before crossing the street.
Trick-or-treaters should only walk on sidewalks and crosswalks, and look both ways before crossing the street. When you must walk in the street – such as when there is not a sidewalk – always walk along the edge of the road (near the curb) and walk against the traffic. Cross only at crosswalks, never between parked cars. Make sure you can see all the way to the other side of the street before crossing. If it is dark out, consider carrying a flashlight with you so that you can see better while walking around neighborhoods at night (a good idea for both trick-or-treaters and parents).
Drivers should obey speed limits and drive extra carefully on Halloween night, especially in neighborhoods where children are likely to be walking on sidewalks and streets.
Always obey speed limits. Drive extra carefully on Halloween night, especially in neighborhoods where children are likely to be walking on sidewalks and streets. If you see a child ahead of you while driving, slow down immediately and proceed with caution until you pass them safely.
After 8 p.m., drivers should drive extra carefully because that is when most children are out trick-or-treating.
After 8 p.m., drivers should drive extra carefully because that is when most children are out trick-or-treating.
Drivers should be extra careful when driving through neighborhoods where children are likely to be walking on sidewalks and streets.
It is important for trick-or-treaters and drivers to take steps to ensure everyone’s safety on Halloween night.
Halloween is a fun holiday for children, but it can also be dangerous. Trick-or-treaters should always practice Halloween safety by only walking on sidewalks and in crosswalks, looking both ways before crossing the street, carrying a flashlight after dark and checking all treats for tampering before eating them. Drivers should obey speed limits and drive extra carefully on Halloween night because that is when most children are out trick-or-treating. It’s important to take steps to ensure everyone’s safety on Halloween night so that everyone can enjoy this holiday safely!
By Steven Gursten, attorney and head of Michigan Auto Law