Everyone loves a good scare on Halloween, but not when it comes to child safety.
Halloween is a fun and exciting time for children and adults, but the holiday does come with some risks—aside from the dental ones! After all, it’s a night when ill-fitting, low-visibility masks are standard, children are crossing neighborhood streets after dark and strangers with candy is the norm.
On average, children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween than on any other day of the year. Although that is a shocking statistic, that is no reason to abandon the fun. A little knowledge and some forethought can make for a safe Halloween.
1. Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers and, if possible, choose light colors.
2. Since masks can sometimes obstruct a child’s vision, try non-toxic face paint and makeup whenever possible.
3. Have kids use glow sticks or flashlights to help them see and be seen by drivers.
4. Children under the age of 12 should not be out at night without adult supervision. If kids are mature enough to be out without supervision, remind them to stick to familiar areas that are well lit and trick-or-treat in groups.
5. Popular trick-or-treating hours are 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., so be especially alert for children during those hours.
6. When selecting a costume, make sure it is the right size to prevent trips and falls.
7. If you’ll be giving out candy at your house, make sure to clear debris and obstacles from your yard and walkway, make your walkway well-lit, and keep any pets well-contained. Halloween safety is mostly common sense, but the excitement of the evening and all those giddy witches and superheroes raring to go can interfere with the clearest of minds.
Following these tips can help reign in the craziness of the spookiest night of the year. Although accidents are never foreseeable, if you or a loved one is injured, my team and I can help you. I am a Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer with over 30 years of experience in helping the injured, proudly serving the people of Port St. Lucie, Vero Beach, Fort Pierce, and Okeechobee. Call me for a free case analysis and evaluation.
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