During the spooky season, the streets are filled with excited children dressed as their favorite superheroes, witches, and monsters. Halloween is a time of joy for kids and adults alike, but it also brings with it a significant risk of accidents and injuries. According to the Children’s Safety Network (CSN), children pedestrians are over 2 times more likely to die on Halloween compared to other days of the year. We at The Morrissey Law Firm are dedicated to safeguarding your family’s well-being. So, we’ve compiled a comprehensive Halloween safety for kids guide to help keep your little ones safe this Halloween.
Stay Visible
- To reduce the risk of pedestrian accidents, ensure your child’s Halloween costume includes reflective materials. Reflective tape, stickers, or accessories can significantly increase visibility. In fact, NHTSA reports that pedestrians wearing reflective items are twice as likely to be seen by drivers, reducing the chances of accidents.
- Encourage your children to carry flashlights or glow sticks while trick-or-treating. These not only make them more visible to drivers but also help them see their path clearly. Statistics from Safe Kids Worldwide show that kids with flashlights are 70% less likely to be struck by a vehicle.
Use Sidewalks or Crosswalks
- Remind your kids to stick to the sidewalks and use designated crosswalks when crossing the street. According to the NHTSA, 70% of pedestrian accidents involving children occur away from intersections. Teaching them this crucial safety tip can significantly reduce the risk of accidents.
- For younger children, always have a responsible adult or older sibling accompany them during trick-or-treating to make sure they are sticking to the sidewalks. NHTSA data reveals that 70% of accidents involving children under the age of 12 occur when they are unsupervised.
Set Limitations
- Limit your child’s use of masks. While masks are an essential part of many costumes, they can obstruct a child’s vision, making it harder for them to see oncoming traffic. Encourage face paint or makeup instead. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends avoiding masks that hinder peripheral vision to ensure safety.
- Set a specific time for trick-or-treating and make sure your children return home before too late. Drunk driving incidents make up a large percentage of deaths on Halloween. Make sure your kiddos get home before the late night Halloween parties get out.
Halloween should be a time for fun, not accidents. By following these tips for Halloween safety for kids and staying vigilant, you can significantly reduce the risks your child faces while trick-or-treating. At The Morrissey Law Firm, we are dedicated to protecting families and helping them in times of need. If, despite taking precautions, your child experiences an accident or injury this Halloween due to someone else’s negligence, don’t hesitate to contact us. We are here to help.