The year is winding down, summer is long gone, the nights are getting longer and the holidays have arrived. With the end of October comes one of the most exciting holidays that’s widely recognized by millions across the nation.
Halloween Time
The pedestrian-heavy nighttime holiday of Halloween is just around the corner. According to the U.S. census, about 41 million trick-or-treaters were estimated for the year of 2017. Although it’s exciting to think about the holiday, most pedestrians (both young and old) tend to neglect the importance of safety for the night times. Unfortunately, there have been numbers of accidents during Halloween that relate to pedestrian injuries, trips and even DUIs.
As scary as this sounds, it should not ruin a night of fun. A few simple nighttime safety tips can help family and friends enjoy the Halloween festivities worry free. We suggest parents taking the time to make sure your kids know about pedestrian safety before the night of. Share these practical tips for Halloween, and general nighttime walking safety:
Beware of Tripping Hazards
Hazardous Grounds
According to a Charleston slip and fall attorney at Max Sparwasser Law Firm LLC, common trips or injury inducing spills are more likely to occur around these features:
- Parking lots: Some areas let kids trick or treat in retail areas. Although it gives kids a safer environment when it comes to areas with high crime, shopping center parking lots can have debris, curbs or uneven pavement which makes it easier to trip.
- Stairs: Some houses will have porch stairs. Homeowners should make their walkways as visible as possible to guest on the night of Halloween to prevent falls.
- Sidewalks: Sidewalks help trick or treaters stay safe from traffic. However, some neighborhoods are notorious for cracks and uneven concrete.
Costume Related Hazards
A good number of Halloween costumes are difficult to walk in. Costumes varying to long robes, large inflatable suites, masks or hanging fabric are prone to sidewalk or street trips. Plan a costume that isn’t going to get snagged or stubbled over when walking long hours.
Low Light
Others might be able to see you, but you might not be able to see as well in the dark. For parents with kids going out Halloween night, we recommend them to find safe and well-lit neighborhoods. Another option is to walk around with a flashlight. This also helps you become more visible to others as well.
Make Yourself Stand Out
Be as visible as you can! Think about a costume that really stands out to motorists. Neighborhood drivers during the night can get caught off-guard even around some of the busiest trick or treating neighborhoods. Go for anything bright colored, reflective or even a costume that lights up.
It is not recommended to wear anything that makes you blend in too much with the environment. However, not all Halloween costumes are brightly lit or easy to see. In those cases, something as simple as a flashlight or glow-sticks would be a good addition.
Use Extra Caution in High Traffic Locations
For the parents accompanying their young ones, or for any pedestrians in the night for that matter, be aware of streets around neighborhoods, cities, parks and intersections that have the heaviest amount of traffic. Best advice is to avoid these areas entirely on this occasion. The safest places to trick or treat are normally residential areas, where traffic is minimal, and the legal speed limit is under 25mph.
Advice for Drivers
For those driving and carpooling around the neighborhoods on Halloween night, understand that the odds of encountering young pedestrians will be much higher than on a typical night, or holiday. in the United States, every year swarms of kids with parents hit the streets and hunt for candy. As a motorist on Halloween night it is your responsibility to drive cautiously and create a safe environment for foot traffic. Remember to:
- Pay strict attention to the road. This means keep all distractions away.
- Do not drive if you have taken prescription medication or if you have been drinking alcohol.
- Always think ahead. More young pedestrians mean a higher likelihood of jaywalking. Eager children are liable to run out into the street without warning.
- Practice caution with stopped cars. It’s likely these cars could be picking up or unloading children.