Halloween Safety Tips for Trick-Or-Treaters & Drivers

It is officially October and Halloween is just a few weeks away. While Halloween can be full of spooks and fun, the real nightmare of this holiday is the threat that it poses to trick-or-treaters. For those under the age of 18 years old, the risk of being fatally hit by a vehicle on Halloween, compared to any other day of the year, more than doubles.

The scary statistics for pedestrians on Halloween doesn’t end there. Studies show that the majority of the fatal traffic accidents involving pedestrians on Halloween occur between 6pm and 9pm. The hour between 6 and 7 is the deadliest. On that same note, less than 1 in 3 pedestrian accidents involving children on Halloween occur at intersections or crosswalks.

As you and your family get ready for Halloween fun this year, our Citrus County Injury Lawyers at Whittel & Melton would like to remind you of a few safety tips.

Halloween Safety for Children & Pedestrians

• Make sure you and your trick-or-treaters always stay on the sidewalk or in designated pedestrian areas. If you must walk somewhere where there are no paths, make sure you walk facing oncoming traffic, as far away from traffic as possible.
• Make sure your children know to be careful around parked cars and driveways, as vehicles could start moving at any time.
• Before venturing out to trick-or-treat, make sure your crew understands how to safely cross the street – only cross at designated areas when you have the right-of-way and drivers see you.
• Make sure an adult accompanies all children younger than 12 when trick-or-treating.
• The fall means it gets dark earlier, so give children flashlights or glow sticks so they are visible, and they can see, as it gets dark. Another good idea is to apply reflective tape on their costumes and/or treat bags.

Halloween Safety for Drivers

• Always keep a watch out for children, especially when driving in residential areas and around schools.
• Try to remember to drive at least 5 mph slower in areas where there are children trick-or-treating and be prepared to step on the brakes at any time as kids can run into traffic at any time. Excitement levels are high on this night!
• Don’t drive drunk or distracted. Stay alert!

If you have been hit by a car, or if a loved one has been hurt in an auto accident, call our Citrus County Auto Accident Lawyers at Whittel & Melton at 352-726-0078 so we can help you file an injury claim. We will make sure your rights are protected.