Many Kansas parents are already busy helping their children get their Halloween costumes ready for parties, trick-or-treating, and other fun things later this month. While Halloween can be a fun holiday for families, there are some frightening statistics about pedestrian accidents on Halloween that are enough to make any parent’s skin crawl. Did you know that your child has a greater chance of being fatally injured by a car on Halloween than on any other day of the year?
In the United States, approximately six children are killed in pedestrian accidents every year on Halloween. Most of these fatalities occur between the hours of 5 and 9 PM, when children are out trick-or-treating. Since younger children are more likely to be accompanied by an adult when they hit the streets, they are less likely than older children to be involved in fatal pedestrian accidents on Halloween.
Fortunately, there are ways to keep your little ghosts and goblins safe while having plenty of Halloween fun. Many communities have stepped up to the plate and encourage residents to participate in trick-or-treating during daylight hours. Some places have even imposed curfews. Parents can help their kids stay safe by accompanying them as they make the rounds. Older children may want to go out with a group of friends, but it is safer if an adult accompanies the group, so think up a fun costume and join in the fun.
Speaking of costumes, work visibility into your kids’ costumes for extra safety. Light colors, reflective fabrics, and glow sticks or glow jewelry are just some of the ways that you can make sure that their costumes are easily seen. Also, make sure that they can see well while they are wearing their costumes, and that their view is not obstructed by a mask, hood, or other part of the costume. When you go trick-or-treating, bring along a flashlight or two, and make sure that you follow the rules of the road and use crosswalks. Keep your kids and their friends safe by paying close attention to where everyone is walking, the kids may be very excited and not all that attentive to whether they are stepping off of the road and into the street. If you have your cell phone with you, don’t make calls or send texts while you are walking, as it could distract you from the task at hand.
Another way that anyone, whether or not they are a parent, can help to reduce the number of pedestrian accidents on Halloween, is to stay off of the road during “the witching hours” if that is at all possible. The streets will be clogged with pedestrians, and traffic will be moving much more slowly than usual. If you must drive, avoid residential areas as much as possible, as those areas are where most of the trick-or-treating takes place. Be aware that police are often out in full force, helping to keep the streets safe for kids. They will not hesitate to stop you for speeding, or for anything else that they feel presents a threat to pedestrians.
If you or someone that you love has been injured or killed in a pedestrian accident, you need the help of an experienced Kansas personal injury lawyer. Your Kansas personal injury lawyer can help you to obtain the best possible settlement as you recover from your loss or injury. Call the Wichita office of Cummings & Cummings, LLC today at (316) 264-1548.