Halloween is a fun time for children and families, but it also brings some unique safety risks. From increased pedestrian traffic to costumes that can make it harder to see, Halloween night requires extra caution from both motorists and trick-or-treaters.
The Terre Haute personal injury lawyers at Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin want to help you and your family enjoy a safe Halloween. A few simple precautions can go a long way toward preventing an accident.
“Halloween should be a night for families to have fun, not a night to deal with an avoidable accident. Taking a few extra precautions, especially around traffic and impaired drivers, can help keep everyone safe,” says attorney Caleb Fleschner.
One of the most important safety concerns on Halloween is impaired driving. With more people attending parties and social gatherings, there may be an increased risk of drunk or drug-impaired drivers on Indiana roads.
If you plan to drink, make arrangements for a designated driver, rideshare, taxi, or another safe way to get home. Never get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol or using a substance that could impair your ability to drive.
Motorists should also remember that children and families may be walking through neighborhoods, crossing streets, and entering and leaving driveways throughout the evening. Slow down, eliminate distractions, and remain alert for pedestrians.
There is safety in numbers when trick-or-treating. Children should travel with parents, guardians, or a group of other children and adults whenever possible. Staying together also makes it easier to keep track of everyone and respond quickly if an emergency occurs.
Dark costumes and nighttime conditions can make pedestrians difficult for drivers to see. Carrying a flashlight, glow stick, or other light source can help children and adults remain visible.
Reflective tape or reflective elements on costumes can provide an additional layer of visibility.
Children should cross streets at designated crosswalks and intersections whenever possible. Before crossing, stop and look both ways for approaching vehicles.
Parents should remind children that a driver may not always see them, even when the child can see the vehicle.
Make sure costumes fit properly and do not drag on the ground, which can create a tripping hazard. Avoid costumes that significantly restrict movement or visibility.
Costumes and accessories should also be kept away from open flames, candles, and other sources of heat.
Parents should inspect their children’s candy and other treats before they are eaten. Discard anything that appears to have been opened, damaged, or tampered with, and be mindful of food allergies.
Children should never enter the home or vehicle of someone they do not know. Parents should establish clear rules about where children may go while trick-or-treating.
Masks, hats, makeup, and other costume accessories can make it difficult to see. If a costume interferes with a child’s vision, consider modifying it or replacing it with a safer alternative.
Distractions can be dangerous for pedestrians, just as they are for drivers. Put phones away when crossing streets or walking through areas with vehicle traffic.
If you’ve been drinking, don’t drive. Even a small amount of alcohol can affect judgment and reaction time.
Designate a sober driver or use another safe form of transportation.
Halloween safety isn’t just the responsibility of trick-or-treaters and their parents. Drivers play an important role in keeping Indiana communities safe.
On Halloween night, motorists should:
Children may behave unpredictably when they are excited and focused on trick-or-treating. Drivers should anticipate that a child could suddenly enter the roadway and be prepared to stop.
Halloween should be an opportunity for families to enjoy time together and make memories. By taking a few extra precautions, parents, children, and drivers can help reduce the risk of preventable accidents.
From everyone at Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin, we wish you and your family a happy, and safe, Halloween!
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident caused by a negligent or impaired driver, the Indiana personal injury attorneys at Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin may be able to help you understand your legal options.
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