Federal highway safety data shows series pedestrian accidents involving children are three times more likely on Halloween than any other day of the year. Parents who want their kids to share the joy of running through the neighborhood to trick and treat with friends can still do so but are wise to take steps to help set their kids up for success.
Ways to reduce the risk of a pedestrian accident on this busy holiday include:
- Increase visibility. Trick or treating generally occurs around dusk, already one of the most dangerous times of day for pedestrians. Taking steps to increase your child’s visibility can help to better ensure drivers see your child. Parents can achieve this goal by adding glow sticks to their costumes or trick or treating bag as well as giving the kids flashlights.
- Make sure your kid can see. Masks are fun but can reduce a child’s ability to see dangers like tripping hazards and oncoming traffic. Cut larger eye holes or skip the mask if it does not allow your child a wide range of vision.
- Accompany young children. Going out on one’s own is best left to the big kids. The same report by the Washington Post also notes that the risk of a fatal accident greatly increases with younger children. Those ages 4 to 8 were ten times more likely to get killed by a car on Halloween. Joining young children can provide an opportunity to help teach your kids how to cross the street safely and what to look for to avoid accidents.
The responsibility falls on more than just the parents. State law requires drivers to operate their vehicles with care, and although accidents can happen anyone that hits a child was likely failing to pay adequate attention to the roads. Parents who are navigating this situation may be able to hold that driver accountable for the expenses that accompany medical treatment and rehabilitative costs through a personal injury lawsuit.