Halloween is one of the holidays that brings people outdoors. Many families bundle up their child in costume and go door-to-door collecting candy. While this experience is usually harmless, there is always the risk of an accident. Knowing the most common types of accidents that occur on Halloween, along with ways to prevent them, can help you and your family stay safe.
Common Causes of Halloween Accidents
Here are a few of the most common accidents that occur on Halloween:
- Car accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Slip and falls
- Dog bites
There are a variety of causes that can lead to these accidents. Drivers may be more distracted by the crowds of children in costumes on the road. Young children may not know how to safely cross the road. If this year’s Halloween is met with rainy weather, it could lead people to slip and fall.
There is also always the risk of dog bites. Children go from door to door, where they are likely to be exposed to more dogs in the neighborhood.
How to Stay Safe This Halloween
As you and your family prepare for an entertaining Halloween, keep these safety tips in mind:
1. Avoid Distractions
Distractions can increase your chance of being in an accident, whether you’re driving or walking this Halloween. Avoiding things like texting can help you be more alert to dangerous situations.
2. Follow Laws
If you’re driving through a neighborhood, it may be best to reduce your speed. It’s also a good idea to know the local laws, especially if you visit a new area. Double-check that your headlights are on and working and look out for any nearby pedestrians who may make sudden moves. This is also a good time to follow local laws, like speed limits.
3. Avoid Drinking
Drinking can also reduce your reaction time, whether you’re driving or walking the neighborhood. If alcoholic drinks are a part of your Halloween celebrations, try to wait until you are safely at home. If you plan to attend a party with alcoholic drinks, consider finding alternative transportation.
4. Be Careful With Costumes
Costumes are one of the best parts of Halloween, but they can also reduce your visibility and make it more difficult for drivers to notice you. If you or your child’s costume is dark, it may be a good idea to add some bright colors to it or to put a strip of reflective tape, allowing other drivers to notice you. You also might want to double-check the fit of your child’s costume. Loose parts or arms or legs that are too long can be distracting. They can also make your child trip and fall.
Stay Safe This Halloween
Being aware of the most common causes of Halloween accidents, as well as how you can practice safety, allows you and your family to have an enjoyable holiday. If you, or your child, is injured this Halloween, know your legal rights. While you never expect an injury to affect your Halloween plans, it’s better to be prepared.
Contact a Hamilton Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Halloween Injury Case in New Jersey
Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to an accident in New Jersey? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at The Law Offices of Richard A. Stoloff represent clients injured because of an accident in Atlantic City, Hamilton, Ventnor City, Hammonton, and throughout New Jersey. Call (609) 601-2233 or fill out the online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 605 New Road, Linwood, NJ 08221, as well as an office in Philadelphia, PA.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.