Halloween is the most dangerous day of the year for child pedestrians. According to data collected over the past 30 years, 23% of child pedestrian fatalities occurred with children aged 5-8; and 32% occurred with older children, aged 12-15. It is important for parents to have a safety discussion with children prior to going trick or treating, regardless of the child’s age.
- Have your child carry a flashlight or glow sticks, or wear reflective tape.
- Stick to walking on sidewalks. If there is no sidewalk, walk on the edge of the street facing traffic, or go to a neighborhood that has sidewalks.
- Establish a treat or treat route and timeline. Chose a route that is known and well lit.
- Keep a fully charged cell phone on you in case of an emergency. This is especially important for older, teenaged children, who often go treat or treating without a parent accompaniment.
- Travel in a group and don’t allow the group to get separated. Make sure the group is together before moving on to the next house.
- Avoid crossing the road in the middle of the block. Statistically, the middle of the block is 70% more hazardous than crossing at an intersection or crosswalk.
Motorists should also exercise extra caution while driving during trick or treating hours. It is important to slow down, and drive defensively. Children are often excited on Halloween and can act erratically and unpredictably. Staying focused on the road, and aware of one’s surroundings; it can help avoid pedestrian fatalities on Halloween.
If you or a loved one was injured or killed in an automobile accident due to another driver’s negligence, contact my office immediately. As your Ohio car accident attorney, I’ll be there for you, and I’ll Make Them Pay!®
Author: Tim Misny | For over four decades, personal injury lawyer Tim Misny has represented the injured victim in in birth injury, medical malpractice, and catastrophic injury/wrongful death cases, serving Cleveland, Akron/Canton, Columbus, Dayton and neighboring communities. You can reach Tim by email at misnylaw.com/ask-tim-a-question/ or call at 877.944.4373.
