HALLOWEEN SAFETY: AVOIDING ACCIDENTS AND INJURIES

Halloween is a favorite time of year for many children and adults alike. From pumpkins to costumes, orange lights, and festive movies, there’s something for anyone of any age to enjoy. While this year’s holidays may be slightly different due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, you can bet there the same scary dangers that lurk every year will be present this Halloween.

Here are some ways that you can keep your family and others safe on this night.

KEEPING CHILDREN SAFE FROM PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENTS

There will be many more people out roaming the streets on Halloween, meaning more chances of pedestrian accidents. Young children are especially at risk of being hit because of lack of visibility, dark costumes, and the increased risk of drunk or distracted drivers.

Data from the National Safety Council shows that children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween. Before letting your child begin their candy collecting, make you take a few steps to help keep them safe:

• Avoid all-black costumes, which can be hard to spot
• Plan a route in advance for them to follow
• Have your child travel in a group (multiple people is easier to spot that one or a few)
• Make sure they stay on the sidewalk
• Reiterate the importance of obeying traffic rules and using crosswalks
• Give them glow sticks to hold or put reflective tape on their costumes

Extra precautions should also be taken this year due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, such as wearing masks and continuing to social distance. The CDC recently released guidelines for holiday celebrations and safe trick-or-treating practices that you can view on their website.

DRIVING YOUR VEHICLE RESPONSIBLY

A night that should be full of fun for everyone can quickly turn for the worst when drivers fail to operate their vehicles with the care and vigilance that they should. If you are going out on this night, you have a responsibility to make sure you do everything in your power to prevent an accident:

• Do not drink and drive or get into a car with a driver who is impaired
• Avoid driving during trick-or-treating peak hours, when possible
• Put away electronics and eliminate distractions
• Use your sight and hearing to spot pedestrians
• Reduce your speed, especially in residential areas

At Huffman & Huffman, our firm is dedicated to helping those in our local communities stay safe. When an accident occurs, we are here to help you pursue a financial recovery. We offer free, no-obligation consultations, so you have nothing to lose by giving us a call at your earliest convenience.

Contact our Newport News accident attorneys at (757) 599-6050 to get started on your case today.