It’s upon us! That time of year when children put on costumes and go from one house to the next seeking fun, adventure, and of course, tons of candy. You understand their excitement—you were a kid once too. But as a parent, you’re also concerned.
On average, children are more likely to be struck and killed by cars on Halloween than on any other day of the year. Although such a risk is worrying, a little forethought and a few precautions can make for a safe Halloween for you and your kids. Here are four tips to get you started.
Wear Bright Costumes
Due to shorter days, it’s usually dark by the time the kids head out trick or treating. This can be dangerous, especially if they’re crossing the streets dressed as Darth Vader or Kylo Ren. In this instance, complementing the costume with an LED lightsaber can alert drivers to their presence.
For those who don’t want to be Sith lords this year, wearable LED lights can improve your child’s visibility while preserving the effect of their costume. These can usually be found at your local hardware store, grocery, or pharmacy. After all, no little Wonder Woman would object to glowing wristbands to match her bracelets and magic lasso!
Make Sure Your Kids Can See Easily
When you go shopping for a costume at Spirit Halloween or Party City, remember that your child needs to be able to see clearly. Bypass masks that could obstruct their vision and use creative face paint instead. In instances where the mask is an important part of the costume, make sure that the eyeholes are both large and properly positioned.
Avoid Costumes with Trip Hazards
Billowing capes and flowing sleeves or hemlines may look cool, but if they are too long, your child can trip over them while ascending steps or even walking, risking serious injury. Make costumes that are too long slightly shorter using safety pins or through some quick sewing!
Brush Them Up on Their Street Smarts
Running around with friends, giddy with excitement and the beginning of a sugar rush, can make even a careful child forget to look both ways before dashing across the street. Remind your kids that they should only use designated crosswalks, look both ways before doing so, and stay on sidewalks and paths unless they intend to cross a street.
If they are old enough to carry a smartphone, they should minimize its use while trick or treating. Impaired or distracted motorists could easily veer off the road and strike them if they aren’t paying attention.
We hope that your child has a safe and fun Halloween, but we also understand that unexpected events happen. At the law office of Pérez Halpern LLC, we share your view that your child’s health and safety are paramount. This is why we are committed to advocating on behalf of children throughout Maryland, Virginia, and the D.C. Metropolitan area who have been injured due to someone else’s negligence.
If your child is injured by a careless motorist, you can trust us to guide you through your options, support you in your legal goals, and take the necessary steps to get where you want to be. To schedule a consultation, contact us today!
