It’s that time of year again when children are gearing up to put on their costumes and go trick-or-treating on Halloween night. But before your little ghosts and goblins leave the house for a night full of fun, it’s important for parents to remember that safety should always be a top priority during this holiday.
Parents, here are three simple safety tips that you can implement to ensure that a spooky night does not turn into a scary one for your trick-or-treaters.
Increase Your Children’s Visibility
Most children go trick-or-treating when it’s already dark outside, meaning that visibility is naturally hindered for both trick-or-treaters and drivers who are traveling on this night. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween night compared to any other night of the year.
Parents should take these steps to ensure that their children are visible to motorists at night:
- Have children wear reflective gear, such as reflective stickers on their costumes.
- Have children carry glow sticks or flashlights.
- Stay in well-lit areas under street lights.
- Avoid costumes that are dark colors, which are harder to see at night. Instead, opt for costumes with lighter or bright coloring.
- If children are trick-or-treating without an adult, have them travel in groups. Multiple trick-or-treaters are easier to spot than one singular person!
Teach Children Safe Walking Techniques
Walking may seem like a mundane activity, but it’s something that should be reviewed with children before they head out on Halloween night. Remember, children are more likely to be hit by cars because there are more pedestrians out at night and more drunk drivers on the road. Children should be taught to:
- Remain especially vigilant at street corners or when using crosswalks.
- Only cross the street at a designated crosswalk when the signal indicates to do so.
- Never dart in the middle of the street or jaywalk.
- Always use the sidewalk or walking paths when trick-or-treating.
- Watch for cars that are backing up or making turns.
Remember Safety First for Costumes
You can never be too careful with costumes, especially ones that are elaborate. As your child is picking out the perfect Halloween costume, make sure that they a costume is chosen won’t cause any safety concerns. Here are some general guidelines for costume safety:
- Choose face paint whenever possible, as face masks can obstruct vision.
- Limit accessories, such as wands, swords, or knives, which can pose a safety hazard.
- Make sure your child’s costume doesn’t drag on the ground and cause a tripping hazard.
- Double-check that costumes, wigs, and accessories are fire-resistant.
- Remove face paint or makeup before going to bed to avoid skin or eye irritation.
With these safety tips in mind, we hope that you and your family have a happy, safe Halloween this year! However, we remain well aware of the fact that accidents can still happen despite you taking all the necessary precautions. If you or a loved one is injured during the holiday, Slusser Law Firm will review your case for free and advocate for your family’s legal rights.
Contact our personal injury attorneys at (570) 405-9953 to get started today. We have two convenient offices located in Hazle Township and Philadelphia and serve clients throughout the state of Pennsylvania.