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Advice on Halloween car safety for kids of all ages

On Behalf of | Oct 31, 2018 | Firm News, Personal Injury

Halloween is one of the most eventful times of the year for younger individuals. Even if your kid is too old to be trick-or-treating, they might have something planned on their schedule to join in on the festivities. They may plan to dress up for a party or hit one of the local holiday events spread throughout the state.

While Halloween may be one of the most enjoyable times of the year for many, it can also be one of the most dangerous. Whether it is on October 31 or one of the days leading up to it, many children, teenagers and young adults are at risk of doing something they regret or suffering from someone else’s negligence. Before your kid washes their tutu or readies their Batman mask, you need to help them prepare for any obstacles that could come on this terrifying holiday no matter how old they are.

Children

Kids going trick-or-treating are at a higher risk of injury or death by a reckless driver than any other time of the year. Some accidents might occur if the motorist cannot see the child’s costume that well. The American Academy of Pediatrics encourages parents to try to get their kids to wear outfits that are bright and reflective similar to what walkers and bikers wear at night. If your son really wants that Darth Vader costume, at least make sure to place reflective tape on his outfit and bag. You should also give him a flashlight with fresh batteries to give him more visibility in the dark.

If a parent is not with the child, make sure to advise your kid to stay on the sidewalks as much as possible to avoid running in front of a car. Older kids should also stay in a group and carry a cell phone with them in case they get lost or anything goes wrong.

Teenagers

High school students will likely not be trick-or-treating, but they may be busy on Halloween from a school sport or want to check out a local horror attraction. Whichever they choose to go to, make sure you warn them about driving back into the neighborhood on the night of October 31.

Tell them to drive slowly as children cross the streets and to keep their eyes on the partially lit roads. Distracted driving is always discouraged, but Halloween is one of the worst times not to keep your eyes on the streets.

Young adults

While plenty of teenagers have dances and parties to attend to during the last week of October, many college students often do something they will regret after attending a costumed gathering. From 2007 to 2011, over half of the national fatalities on Halloween night came from drunk-driving crashes, and nearly half of those drivers were young men likely coming from a party.

Advise your kid to call for a ride service if they plan on drinking at a party and have no designated driver. Despite being the most frequent cause of death on this holiday, it is still one of the most preventable.

If your child’s Halloween celebrations result in a nightmarish accident, a personal injury attorney can assist in you in seeking compensation as they recover. Halloween may be a time associated with scares, but taking these precautions can decrease some of the fears you have for your child’s safety.

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