HALLOWEEN SAFETY TIPS FOR PEDESTRIANS AND DRIVERS

Halloween is one of the spookiest nights of the year, but there’s something scarier than ghosts and goblins: the risk of pedestrian accidents. In fact, Halloween consistently ranks among the top days for pedestrian injuries, closing out Pedestrian Safety Month on a sobering note. According to the National Safety Council, children are more than twice as likely to be struck by a car on Halloween. That’s a frightening statistic no family wants to face.

But even with these chilling numbers, there are ways to keep Halloween fun while ensuring safety. Joining us today are some of our attorney friends from Huffman & Huffman Brothers-in-Law, along with their little ghouls and goblins, to share important tips on how to stay safe and avoid a trip to the emergency room this Halloween.

Keeping Kids Safe while Trick-or-Treating

Halloween is a blast, but safety has to come first. Here are some key reminders for parents, caregivers, and kids:

• Always walk on sidewalks when available, and make sure to use crosswalks.
• If there are no sidewalks, walk on the left side of the road, facing traffic, to see oncoming cars.
• Travel in groups, and young children should always be accompanied by a responsible adult.
• Keep electronic devices tucked away when walking; distractions can lead to accidents.
• Stick to a well-lit route, and try to avoid areas with poor visibility.
• Equip your kids with glow sticks or flashlights and consider reflective tape on costumes.
• Dark costumes can be hard for drivers to see. If your child has their heart set on a dark costume, make sure they have something reflective, wear glow sticks, or carry a flashlight for better visibility.

Safety Tips for Drivers

If you are planning to drive on the evening of Halloween, you have a responsibility to ensure you take extra precautions to avoid colliding with a pint-sized goblin. Here are a few reminders to keep everyone safe:

• Reduce their speed, especially in residential neighborhoods where children are likely to be out.
• Be extremely cautious when entering or exiting driveways—kids might dart across without warning.
• Avoid distractions like cell phones and turn down loud music to stay alert.
• Be extra vigilant for children walking on the roads or between parked cars and be prepared to stop suddenly.
• Of course, never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. It’s always dangerous, but especially on a night like Halloween when there are more people on foot.

Pedestrian Safety Year-Round 

Pedestrian accidents don’t just happen on Halloween and is something that we all need to be mindful of every day. Here are a few tips to keep in mind all year long: 

• For drivers, avoiding distractions is key. Whether you’re driving through a busy parking lot or down a residential street, always keep your eyes on the road and be aware of your surroundings.
• Pedestrians should always use crosswalks. Crossing the street outside of a crosswalk is one of the leading causes of pedestrian fatalities. If you’re in an area without a crosswalk, choose a well-lit spot with good visibility of traffic, and only cross when you have plenty of time.
• With daylight saving time ending soon, it’s going to get dark earlier. This means pedestrians will be walking after dusk more often. Both drivers and pedestrians should take extra precautions, such as wearing bright clothing, using reflective gear, and staying alert to avoid accidents.

Injured? Contact us today

At Huffman & Huffman Brothers-in-Law, we are dedicated to helping keep our local community safe. When the unfortunate accident occurs and your child is hurt, we are here to help guide you through the process and get you the financial compensation you deserve. Our team has over 150 years of experience in personal injury cases. Let our family help your family.

Call today at (757) 599-6050 or send or send us a message online for a free consultation. We are available to talk 24 hours a day. With offices in Newport News and Virginia Beach, we serve clients all over Hampton Roads and the surrounding areas.