Many Halloween traditions involve pumpkins, apple cider, and even a scary hayride, but we are going to bet there will be some neighborhood trick-or-treating involved too. And for the more than 41.1 million trick-or-treaters, the majority children ages 5 to 14, who hit U.S. doorsteps in 2019 requesting a Halloween treat, many injuries followed. This year, the AZ Hometown Lawyers thought it would be helpful to share a few easy ways our blog readers can protect children from injury while trick-or-treating this Halloween night.
Be Seen
When selecting a costume, choose the bright colored outfits. For dark colored costumes, simply make them bright by adding a flashlight or reflective tape to shoes and candy bags to be easily noticed by motorists.
Follow the Walking Path and Obey Traffic Laws
Keep children on the sidewalks, and lead by example when you cross the road or walk near a congested area. Wait at stoplights and show others good pedestrian choices.
Avoid Trip and Fall Hazards
Keep your child’s costume safe and secure by making sure it has the best fit, is fire resistant, and not creating a trip hazard. Masks and hats may block vision and make it difficult for a child to see steps or yard decorations, so opt for a safe face paint alternative.
Watch for Costume Product Recalls
Hundreds of costumes, accessories and makeup, are recalled each year. Double check to make sure items you have purchased for dress up have not been recalled.
Lighting Porch Pumpkins
If you leave your home to trick-or-treat with your child, avoid a porch pumpkin related fire hazard by using colorful glow sticks or battery-operated candles inside your Jack-o-lanterns instead of candles.
Halloween Decorations
It sure can be fun to create the scariest stop on the block but make sure steps, sidewalks, porches and paths are well-lit and free of decorations. If your child was injured on the property of another person, the property owner may be held liable.
Look for Tricks in the Treats
Prior to letting your child dive into their collected treats, always check for choking hazards and suspicious looking packaging.
Watch for Drivers
Children are more than twice as likely to be killed by a car while walking on Halloween night than any other night of the year. Most of these cars are being operated by drunk drivers. Keep an extra lookout for reckless drivers near intersections and while crossing the street.
If your child enjoys Halloween, please take extra care and follow these tips to keep them from sustaining a personal injury that could make this their last trick-or-treat.
Halloween Injury Attorneys
If your child was injured at the fault of another person this season, it is important that you hire an attorney who can not only increase your odds of being compensated but will also guide you through our complex legal system. The personal injury lawyers at AZ Hometown Lawyers have the skill and experience needed to aggressively represent you. Call us today at (602) 495-1005 to schedule a FREE consultation, or by completing our online case evaluation form.
