The weather is cooler, and the days are growing shorter. Soon it will be time for the kids to head out for their annual rite of fall, trick-or-treating on Halloween.
It’s fun to hand out candy to a parade of youngsters dressed up as their favorite heroes or witches or monsters. But trick-or-treat night can be hazardous to pedestrians of all ages. Learn more below on how to keep your kids safer.
Watch out for drunken drivers
Halloween is a celebratory time. There are parties, bonfires, haunted houses, hayrides and corn mazes. All of these activities are frequently accompanied by alcohol consumption. When those who imbibe climb back behind the wheel, that’s where the trouble starts.
Partiers can choose a sober driver for the night or use a ride service to get back home safely and without endangering others’ lives.
Make costumes safe and visible
To avoid trips and missteps, keep all long costumes shin-length or shorter. Rather than vision-blocking plastic masks, get creative with face paint instead.
Attach a strip of yellow or orange reflective tape on the front and back of children’s costumes or deck them out with glow-in-the-dark bracelets and necklaces. Arm them with small flashlights that can direct them away from tree roots or crumbling concrete.
If you get into a Halloween accident
Car-pedestrian accidents can be devastating. Victims often face long recovery times, multiple surgeries and need ongoing, extensive treatment for the injuries. The medical bills can be astronomical. Seeking civil justice by filing damage claims against the liable party’s insurance company can get you the relief you need to recover and move ahead.