How to Have a Safe Halloween This Year

It’s October (yes, already) which means Halloween is right around the corner. For kids and adults alike, this spooky holiday is one of the most exciting and highly-anticipated nights of the year. From dressing up in costume to all the fun parties, it’s a great night for everyone. However, Halloween night does not come without its risks. It is important to remember that safety should always be a top priority, whether you are sending your kids out to trick-or-treat, or you are attending a costume party with your friends.

According to Safe Kids, there are more dangers associated with Halloween than many people realize. Let’s take a look at a few of these statistics to get a better idea of what we are up against this coming holiday:

• Only one-third of all parents talk to their children about Halloween
• On average, twice as many young pedestrians are killed while walking on Halloween compared to every other day of the year
• Only 18% of parents use reflective tape on their kids’ costumes
• 12% of children under the age of 5 trick-or-treat alone
• 63% of children don’t carry a flashlight while they are trick-or-treating
• An estimated 41 million children will trick-or-treat on Halloween
• 70% of parents do not accompany their children trick-or-treating
• There are 3,800 Halloween-related injuries every year
• 86% of adults bring alcohol to a Halloween party
• 52% of all motor vehicle deaths on Halloween involve alcohol
• On average, 41 people are injured in house fires on Halloween

These statistics show just how dangerous Halloween can be. This is why it is so important for you to discuss safety tips with your children before sending them out trick-or-treating. With this, you must also take safety consideration, whether you are staying at home or attending a party. Be responsible and never drink and drive. Call a rideshare service or make arrangements to stay with friends, but never get behind the wheel of a car after drinking on Halloween, or any night of the year, for that matter.

Here are a few safety tips for you and your children to keep in mind this Halloween:

• Carry a flashlight when outside
• Put reflective tape on your kids’ costumes
• Make sure your child can walk in his or her costume
• Make sure your child can see when in his or her costume. Tell them to remove their mask when walking, putting it back on when approaching the door to trick-or-treat
• Be especially careful when crossing the street, driveways, or alleyways
• Don’t assume a driver can see you just because they are stopped
• Drivers: Pay attention to the road at all times
• Watch out for small pedestrians
• Never drive drunk or distracted

If you sustain an injury or are involved in an accident on Halloween this year, contact a Laredo personal injury lawyer from Green Law Firm today.