On Halloween night, you are 43% more likely to be struck and killed by a car. Children are more than twice as likely to be hit. Some of the same factors that make the holiday fun make it incredibly dangerous. These include:
- Nighttime driving (and low visibility)
- Rowdy young pedestrians (who might dart in front of cars)
- Parties and bars (where drivers may have too much to drink)
So how can you keep yourself and your family members safe? The truth is: there’s no guarantee. That being said, we do have a few tips and tricks that can reduce your risk of being hit:
- Carry flashlights and glow sticks
- Use reflective tape on costumes and bags
- Avoid masks or costumes that obstruct vision
- Accompany children while they trick-or-treat
- Don’t use your cell phone while walking
- Stay sober while walking
- Use sidewalks whenever possible
- Walk against traffic and on the side of the road when sidewalks are unavailable
- Only cross at crosswalks or other, well-lit intersections
If you get behind the wheel at any point during the night, you can protect pedestrians by avoiding drugs and alcohol and putting your phone away while you drive. Some of these safe-driving behaviors may also come in handy:
- Keep your headlights on at all times
- Drive 5 mph below the speed limit to increase your reaction time
- Watch for children on the road, crossing the street, and in yards and driveways
- Obey traffic signs and use your signals
- Never try to pass a stopped car (children may be loading or unloading)
Recovering from Halloween Nightmares
While you can mitigate the danger of the night with your own careful behavior, you cannot control the actions of others. If someone else harms you or your family member on Halloween night, the Law Office of James M. Stanley can help you recover. Our attorneys have been advocating for injured Texans since 1967.
We are available 24/7 and offer free consultations. Halloween should be a time for making fun memories – don’t let someone else take that away from