Halloween can be a fun and exciting day for children – and for a lot of adults – but accidents can happen. According to the Centers for Disease Control, an average of four wrongful deaths per year occurred during Halloween hours among children ages 5-14 years after pedestrian accidents involving cars. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that Halloween is typically the second deadliest day for pedestrians (after New Year’s Day). Without question, trick-or-treaters and drivers need to be extra cautious on the roads on Oct. 31.

To reduce risks of Halloween accidents, we offer the following pedestrian safety tips for trick-or-treaters:

• Consider costumes that are lighter in color and more visible to drivers, or add reflective material to the front and back of a costume.
• Consider using face paint instead of masks, or wear masks that are well-fitting with eye and ear holes that don’t obstruct sight or hearing.
• Parents should walk with trick-or-treaters who are younger than 12 years old.
• Use a flashlight while trick-or-treating to help you see and others see you.
• Avoid crossing yards.
• Look both ways before crossing streets, and use crosswalks when possible.
• Always use sidewalks, or if there are none, stay on the far edge of the road facing traffic.

For drivers:

• Drive safely and be on the lookout for trick-or-treaters. Children’s behavior can be unpredictable. They may dart out into the road.
• Buckle up children if you are driving them around for trick-or-treating. Make sure they wear seat belts every time they get into the car, even if you’re driving a short distance.
• Pull over to safe locations to let children out of the car. Let them exit curb side, away from traffic. When you stop, use your hazards to alert other drivers.
• Don’t use a cell phone while driving. While cell phone use and driving on any day can raise your risk of an accident, it’s especially important for drivers to avoid using the cell phone on Halloween. Check for messages or talk on the cell phone after you’ve pulled over safely.

Enjoy Halloween and stay safe. Remember, accidents can happen in an instant. Serious injuries can result in months, years or even a lifetime of struggle. If you or a loved one was injured in an accident, contact an accident attorney at the Law Offices of Mark E. Salomone for a free consultation. We have decades of collective trial experience and a demonstrated record of verdicts and settlements. Talk to an experienced Massachusetts personal injury lawyer today.

The Law Offices of Mark E. Salomone serves people who have been injured due to the negligence of others in Springfield, Boston, Worcester, and throughout Massachusetts.