Are you sending your kids out for trick-or-treating? Or attending or hosting a Halloween Party? Are you planning on being outside on Halloween? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you might want to review our Halloween Safety Tips.
The Dangers of Halloween
Halloween may be one of the most dangerous nights of the year. Children are more than twice as likely to be hit and killed by a car on Halloween than on any other day of the year. (Safe Kids Worldwide)
Trick-or-Treaters are not the only ones who should proceed with caution on Halloween. Injuries and accidents in Las Vegas also increase for drivers and those celebrating at home. Even if you take all of the precautions in the world, accidents can still happen.
We encourage you to review the safety tips provided below to help make this holiday safe and happy for all.
If you become a victim of a car, pedestrian or other type of accident on Halloween or any day of the year, we encourage you to get in touch with us for a free consultation. Our Las Vegas personal injury lawyers offer years of experience representing clients in car accidents, drunk driver accidents and more accident cases. Call us today at (702) 857-6000.
Halloween Safety Tips for Motorists
Motorists should drive slowly, especially in residential neighborhoods or areas where there may be Halloween festivities. Popular trick-or-treating hours are from 5:00 to 10:00 p.m. Take the extra time to look for kids at intersections, on medians, and on curbs. Remember that excited children may not follow the rules of the road.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration provides the following tips for drivers:
- Avoid using handheld electronic devices.
- If you see a drunk driver or impaired pedestrian on the road, contact local law enforcement.
- Look out for other road users and pedestrians at night.
- Slow down in areas where pedestrians are likely to be or where visibility is limited. Keep your windshield clean.
Halloween Safety Tips for Pedestrians
The Journal of the American Medical Association Pediatrics found that Halloween may increase the risk of pedestrian accidents. This is because:
- Celebrations occur at dusk
- Masks restrict peripheral vision
- Costumes limit visibility
- Children neglect street-crossing safety
- Some party-goers are under the influence of alcohol
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends:
- A parent or responsible adult always accompany young children on their neighborhood rounds.
- Have flashlights with fresh batteries for all children and their escorts.
- If your older children are going alone, plan and review the route. Agree on a specific time when they should return home.
- Only go to homes with a porch light on. Never enter a home or car for a treat.
- Immediately notify law enforcement authorities of any suspicious or unlawful activity.
Because pedestrian injuries are the most common injuries to children on Halloween, remind your Trick-or-Treaters:
- Stay in a group and communicate your location.
- Remember reflective tape for costumes and trick-or-treat bags.
- Carry a cellphone for quick communication.
- Remain on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk.
- If no sidewalk is available, walk at the far edge of the roadway facing traffic.
- Never cut across yards or use alleys.
- Only cross the street as a group in established crosswalks (as recognized by local custom).
- Never cross between parked cars.
- Don’t assume drivers see you. Drivers may have trouble seeing trick-or-treaters. Just because one car stops, doesn’t mean others will!
Costumes
Costumes can increase the risk of injuries. The American Academy of Pediatrics provides the following safety tips for those wearing costumes:
- Plan costumes that are bright and reflective. Make sure that shoes fit well and that costumes are short enough to prevent tripping and entanglement.
- Consider adding reflective tape or striping to costumes and trick-or-treat bags for greater visibility.
- Masks can limit or block eyesight. Consider using non-toxic makeup and decorative hats as safer alternatives. Hats should fit properly so they don’t slide over eyes. Test makeup ahead of time on a small patch of skin to make sure there are no unpleasant surprises on the big day.
- When shopping for costumes, wigs and accessories, look for labels that say they are flame resistant.
- If a sword, cane, or stick is a part of your child’s costume, make sure it is not sharp or long. These items can easily hurt your child if he or she stumbles or trips.
- Do not use decorative contact lenses. Ignore packaging that says “one size fits all” or “no need to see an eye specialist.” Using contact lenses without a prescription is both dangerous and illegal. They can cause pain, inflammation, serious eye disorders, and infections. This can lead to permanent vision loss.
For a free legal consultation, call (702) 857-6000
Even remaining at home, hazards can present themselves on Halloween (and other times, too). Here we present specific safety tips to keep your home Halloween parties safe. If you are the victim of the negligence of others on Halloween or any other time, call our law offices to set up a free consultation. Call (702) 857-6000.
Home Safety
The American Academy of Pediatrics provides the following safety tips for people who are staying at home:
- Remove anything a child could trip over from your yard and porch. This includes garden hoses, toys, bikes, and lawn decorations.
- Check outdoor lights and replace burned-out bulbs.
- Clean debris and water from sidewalks and steps.
- Restrain pets so they do not inadvertently jump on or bite a trick-or-treater or run away
Party Hosts
If you plan on hosting a Halloween party, review the above home and costume safety tips. Halloween parties can be fun but come with additional risks. Ensure a safe and happy evening for all with these party host tips provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:
- Prevent guests from walking alone or driving after drinking too much. Serve plenty of food, non-alcoholic beverages, and less alcohol. Collect car keys from guests who are drinking. Designate sober drivers and walking buddies. Stop serving alcohol an hour before the party ends. Be prepared to call taxis, provide sleeping accommodations, or—if you’re sober—drive guests home yourself.
- Remember social host liability laws may hold you responsible for parties where underage people drink. It doesn’t matter who furnishes the alcohol. You could be held legally responsible for your guests’ behavior after they leave your party.
- Consider holding parties at a restaurant or facility with professional alcohol servers who have been trained in responsible alcohol service practices.
Fire Hazards
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Halloween decorations, jack-o-lanterns, costumes, debris, bonfires, candles, and parties can all pose fire hazards. Stay aware and safe this Halloween with the National Fire Protection Association’s Halloween fire safety tips:
- Use a battery-operated candle or glow stick in jack-o-lanterns. Don’t use candles.
- When choosing costumes, stay away from long trailing fabrics.
- Teach children to stay away from open flames. This includes jack-o-lanterns with candles in them.
- Dried flowers, cornstalks, and crepe paper catch fire easily. Keep all decorations away from open flames and other heat sources like light bulbs and heaters.
- Provide children with flashlights to carry for lighting or glow sticks as part of their costumes.
- Keep exits clear of decorations so nothing blocks escape routes. Make sure all smoke alarms are working.
Experienced Las Vegas, NV Personal Injury Lawyers
We wish you a safe and happy Halloween. But if someone injures you or a loved one on Halloween, speak to a licensed Nevada personal injury attorney as soon as you can.
Anthem Injury Lawyers has a team of personal injury lawyers and staff who are ready to help you with your case. Our attorneys are experienced at handling all types of personal injury cases.
We handle:
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Bus accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Uber and Lyft accidents
- Dog bites
- Wrongful death
- and more!
We work with clients all over the Las Vegas Valley, including North Las Vegas, Summerlin, Spring Valley, Anthem, and the Strip. Contact us today for a free consultation at (702) 857-6000.
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