Tips for a Safe Halloween

Halloween can be a lot of fun, both for adults and children, but it is also a time that requires extra vigilance.  Both parents of trick-or-treaters and drivers have a shared responsibility to keep our children safe as they celebrate the holiday.  This year especially, with Beggars’ Night falling on Friday or Saturday in many cities throughout Northeast Ohio, it is important to walk or drive cautiously.

SafeKids Worldwide offers some excellent and creative advice regarding Halloween safety Dos and Don’ts.  Here are a few of the best pieces of advice to ensure you and your loved ones have a safe night:

Tips for Pedestrians

• Cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks.
• Put electronic devices down and keep heads up and walk, don’t run, across the street.
• Teach children to make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of them.
• Watch for cars that are turning or backing up. Teach children to never dart out into the street or cross between parked cars.

Costume Tips for Parents

• Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers and, if possible, choose light colors.
• Choose face paint and makeup whenever possible instead of masks, which can obstruct a child’s vision.
• Have kids carry glow sticks or flashlights to help them see and be seen by drivers.
• When selecting a costume, make sure it is the right size to prevent trips and falls.

Tips for Drivers

• Slow down and be especially alert in residential neighborhoods. Children are excited on Halloween and may move in unpredictable ways.
• Take extra time to look for kids at intersections, on medians and on curbs.
• Eliminate any distractions inside your car so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings.
• Drive slowly, anticipate heavy pedestrian traffic and turn your headlights on earlier in the day to spot children from greater distances.
• Popular trick-or-treating hours are 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. so be especially alert for kids during those hours.

If you are not sure when trick-or-treating is scheduled in your community, 19 Action News has a thorough listing of local trick-or-treat times.  Be careful, have fun, and Happy Halloween!

If you or a loved one has suffered personal injury in a motor vehicle accident or pedestrian accident, contact the experienced Cleveland personal injury lawyers at Lowe Scott Fisher Co., LPA for a free telephone consultation.