Halloween Pedestrian Safety Tips
Halloween Pedestrian Safety Tips — Halloween is a night for family and friends to enjoy costumes, candy, and memory-making. However, there is a dark side to Halloween that everyone should know about. Since Halloween is reported to be one of the most dangerous nights of the year for car accidents and pedestrian injuries, it is essential to keep the safety of yourself and others in mind. Whether you are headed out to your local pumpkin patch or trick-or-treating with your little ones, consider the following safety tips to protect yourself and your family this Halloween.
Halloween Pedestrian Accident Statistics
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, approximately 47 individuals passed away on the night of Halloween in 2016. These fatalities occurred between the hours of 6:00 p.m. to 5:59 a.m. Thirty percent of these deaths were walkers, in comparison to 16 percent that of an average day. From 2012-2016, drunk driving was involved in 22 percent of pedestrian accident deaths on Halloween night.
Halloween Pedestrian Safety Tips
Increased pedestrian and vehicle traffic on Halloween night can be a dangerous combination. When alcohol is thrown into the mix, the aftermath of an accident can prove traumatic or even fatal in some cases. To stay safe this Halloween, follow these pedestrian safety tips:
- Avoid texting on a cell phone or listening to music with earphones while walking as this may limit your perception of traffic nearby.
- Follow the rules of the road at intersections and driveways.
- Cross in areas with pedestrian traffic signals and make sure traffic has passed or stopped before you step into the street.
- Do not step out behind shrubbery or between parked vehicles as drivers may not see you coming out.
- Make yourself as visible as possible to drivers, especially in areas with low lighting and at night. You can do so by wearing bright-colored or reflective clothing, wearing a flashing strobe light, or carrying a flashlight on the side closest to traffic.
- Walking while intoxicated can be just as dangerous as impaired driving. To ensure your safety, set up a sober ride home for yourself and your loved ones.
- Watch for vehicles that are reversing or turning.
Keeping Your Children Safe
Children love the magic of Halloween from carving pumpkins to trick-or-treating. However, there is a fine line between pedestrian safety concerns and Halloween fun. According to the National Safety Council, adolescents are more than twice as likely to be struck by a vehicle and killed on Halloween compared to any other day of the year. To ensure a fun and safe Halloween night for your family, watch the following YouTube video by Safe Kids Worldwide.
Safety Measures for Motorists
Motorists are also responsible for pedestrian safety. Following are some safety tips to consider when taking to the road during trick-or-treat hours:
- Avoid distractions while driving such as texting or adjusting the stereo. Brief dips in motorist attentiveness can lead to traumatic pedestrian injuries and in some instances, wrongful death.
- Check for adolescents from left and right to front porches and yards.
- Proceed with caution when entering and exiting alleys and driveways.
- Reduce your speed in residential neighborhoods and obey all traffic signals and signs. This can help give you extra time to react in the event of a child darting into the street.
- Watch for children walking along curbs, medians, and roadways. If they are wearing dark costumes, they may be more difficult to spot at night.
What to Do After a Halloween Pedestrian Accident
Even the most cautious walkers can find themselves to be the victim of a Halloween pedestrian accident. When this happens, an injured pedestrian or family of a decedent may bring a claim against a responsible party for damages incurred. These may include medical expenses, time lost from work, disfigurement, loss of consortium, costs of a loved one’s burial and funeral, and other related expenses.
If this situation applies to you or your loved one, you may have many, unanswered questions. Contact an experienced attorney to discuss your options and protect your right to fair compensation.
Modesto Personal Injury Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Modesto personal injury lawyer. Halloween pedestrian accidents are common and can leave those affected with serious consequences. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident caused by a negligent party, I am here to provide you with free, friendly legal advice on your situation. Please feel free to give me a call anytime at (209) 227-1931 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400.
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Halloween Pedestrian Safety Tips: AutoAccident.com
Photograph Source: By “rawpixel.com” via Pexels / Halloween Pedestrian Safety Tips
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