Trick-or-Treater Tips

• Children younger than 12 years old should be accompanied by their parents
• Children should not run, but walk from one house to the next.
• Children should not walk between cars or on grass, as they could trip hazards.
• Children should be reminded by their parents to always look out for cars as they cross driveways.
• Because motorists might not see pedestrians, they shouldn’t assume that they have the right-of-way.
• Trick-or-treat before it gets dark, especially for young children.
• Children and parents should choose lighter-colored costumes. This makes it easier for drivers to spot them. A reflective material can be added to the front and back to make it easier to choose the right costume. You can even incorporate it into the design.
• Avoid costumes that make it difficult for children to see, particularly those that include masks. Children and chaperones should use face masks to cover their noses and mouths in order to avoid the pandemic. They should also practice social distancing.
• Children should be given a flashlight so that they can be seen by drivers in the dark. You can also use glow sticks.
• Children should not take photos on porches or walk with their phones. Children who carry a phone with them can become distracted and lose their awareness of the world around them.

Tips for Drivers

• Slowly drive in and around residential streets and neighborhoods, even if there aren’t any trick-or-treaters.
• Do not drink and drive. Halloween is a peak time for drunk driving. According to NHTSA, 41 percent of motor vehicle accidents that occurred on Halloween night between 2014 and 2018 involved drunk driving. According to NHTSA, drunk drivers account for about one third of all fatal crashes in the United States.
• Be on the lookout for children who might dart into the street. Always yield to pedestrians. You are more likely to see multiple children crossing the street than one.
• Make sure your children are properly buckled in a car seat for trick-or treating. You should make sure your children are properly buckled up every time they get in the car. Also, check for any loose items before you move on to the next stop.
• Parents who are taking their children to Halloween events may feel compelled to strap them in. Some costumes might have extra padding or hard surfaces, which could make it difficult for the vehicle seat belt or car-seat harness to fit the child. Consumer Reports recommends that costumes be made without padding and have hard surfaces removed.
• To allow children to exit at the curb, pull over in safe areas. Your hazard lights can be used to warn other drivers.
• Park in a place where you won’t have to back up. If you have to park in a spot where you won’t need to back up, make sure you have someone outside with you.
• While driving, don’t use your cell phone or any other mobile device. If necessary, pull over to check your voicemails or texts.

You can ensure that Halloween is a fun and safe holiday by being careful and cautious.

The experienced personal injury attorneys at Scalli Murphy Law wish everyone a fun, safe, and happy Halloween! If you do sustain personal injuries on Halloween and need a personal injury lawyer, contact our attorneys to see if we can help.

Still Have Questions About Halloween Safety? Call our Lawyers in Everett, MA Anytime: 617-387-7000

At the law firm of Scalli Murphy Law, we want you to have a safe and Happy Halloween! If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and pain and suffering. Our experienced team of Boston personal injury attorneys can help you obtain compensation for medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering. Please feel free to fill out our quick contact form on our website or call us today to set up a free consultation to discuss your case at 617-387-7000.