Halloween brings worry with its tricks and scares. Many people expect to ghost, goblins, and ghouls, but one of the scariest things about Halloween has nothing to do with costumes or decorations; it involves a threat to kids that many parents are unaware of — pedestrian accidents involving children. Here is what you need to know about this frightful scenario. 

How Much Higher is the Risk of Pedestrian Accidents on Halloween?

On Halloween night, the number of pedestrian accident deaths is four times higher than on any other night for children. Also, the number of pedestrian accidents that do not result in death also increases on Halloween.

Why is the Risk of Pedestrian Accidents so High on Halloween?

Believe it or not, but costumes are one of the reasons the risk of pedestrian accidents are higher on Halloween. Some costumes are dark and are hard to see when the sun goes down. Another factor is children being out at dark. They are small and can be hard for other drivers to see, especially in areas that are not well-lit. Children tend to be excited and forget safety rules. Children don’t use crosswalks and run across the street to hurry up and get candy, which puts them at risk. Lastly, adults attend Halloween parties where they may be drinking, which means alcohol can also play a factor.

How Do You Keep Your Children Safe While Trick-or-Treating?

As a parent, there are many things you can do to help keep your children safe while they are trick-or-treating. Try to select costumes that are visible in the dark, or use reflective tape on your child’s back to make them more visible. Select a trick-or-treating route that is well-lit and does not have busy intersections that your child would have to cross. Give your child lights, like flashlights or glow lights to increase visibility. Stay in a large group. The more people that stick together, the more visible your group will be to drivers. Remind your child to be safe while crossing the street. And lastly, stay with your children while they are out. You don’t have to go up to the houses, but by staying on the sidewalks, you can prevent them from darting out into oncoming traffic.

It is important to do all you can to help keep your children safe on Halloween to minimize their risk of being involved in a pedestrian accident. However, despite your best efforts, an accident may occur. If your child was hit by a car while out trick or treating, contact us at Mukerji Law Firm. Our team focuses on seeking justice in all types of personal injury claims and lawsuits. We have achieved an impressive record of success, and are driven by our concern for those we serve. Contact us now to get started.