Trick-or-Treating? Staying Safe on the Road!

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Trick-or-Treating? Staying Safe on the Road!

Written by Malman Law, reviewed by Steve J. Malman.

It has been a long tradition to bring children out to trick-or-treat through their town and collect as much candy as they possibly can. It is a time for kids to dress up as their favorite cartoon, monster, witch, or princess. Halloween also signifies the end of October and the beginning of holiday season for many cultures. It is also a time to get together with family and enjoy the harvest season. While most of us go out to celebrate the end of October this Halloween, the personal injury attorneys at Malman Law want to remind drivers and pedestrians to be aware of safe practices while children collect the mounds of candy that they have long anticipated throughout the year—because every kid deserves to return home safely to enjoy and count their bags of candy.

Drivers be aware

“On average, children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween as other days of the year.” (SafeKidsWorldwide)

The National Safety Council recommends that on Halloween all drivers should:

• Take the time to be aware of the pedestrians walking and always give them the right away.
  
• Watch for children dashing out from between parked cars.
  
• Watch for children walking on roadways, medians and curbs.
  
• Enter and exit driveways and alleys with caution.
  
• As night nears, watch for children in dark clothing.
  
• Limit distracted driving by not using your cell phone while driving.
  
• Promote inexperienced drivers such as teens to walk or get a ride from an adult on Halloween. The NSC warns that there are too many distractions and hazards for inexperienced drivers.

For pedestrians

The CDC released some valuable safety tips for children and adults when celebrating Halloween. While you go out and enjoy physical activity and collect treats, also be aware of the following safety tips that can prevent serious injuries or even fatalities.

• Walk in groups and always make sure children are accompanied by an adult.
  
• Fasten reflective tape to costumes and bags to help drivers see you.
  
• Examine all treats for choking hazards and tampering before eating them.
  
• Hold a flashlight while trick-or-treating to help you see and others see you. Always WALK and don’t run from house to house.
  
• Only walk on sidewalks whenever possible, or on the far edge of the road facing traffic to stay safe.
  
• Check that masks, costumes, and shoes fit well to avoid slips, trips, and falls.

Most of all, Malman Law wants all of Illinois to have fun this Halloween. If you or a loved one do end up hurt, Illinois injury lawyers first recommend that you receive proper medical treatment and to then contact a personal injury attorney to learn about your legal rights to compensation.
Happy Halloween from the attorneys and staff at Malman Law!