Halloween might be on a school night this year, but that will not stop families all over the country from donning their creative costumes and going door-to-door asking for candy. The fact that Halloween is on a Tuesday means there will probably be fewer drunk drivers on the roads when kids are actually trick or treating; however, pedestrian safety should still be a priority among parents everywhere.
According to Safe Kids Worldwide, twice as many young pedestrians sustain fatal injuries on Halloween than on other days of the year. As a parent, it is your responsibility to ensure your children are aware of the dangers of walking around at night so they exercise a reasonable amount of caution when trick or treating.
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Unfortunately, even the lost conscientious pedestrians can end up in devastating accidents because of drunk, distracted, or otherwise reckless drivers. If you or your children sustained injuries in a pedestrian accident with a negligent motorist, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills and non-economic damages. You may also be able to recover exemplary damages, which are called “punitive damages.”
The legal team at Laborde Earles Law Firm will help you gather evidence, calculate your damages, and fight for the maximum compensation. Call (337) 777-7777 to schedule a free case evaluation with a car accident lawyer in Alexandria.
Read on to learn how you can protect your children from a pedestrian accident on Halloween night:
- Remind Them to Pay Attention to Their Surroundings
Children experience a lot of stimulation when trick or treating, from seeing their friends in costume to navigating spooky décor at “haunted” houses. All of the excitement makes it easy to forget where they are and what they should be doing.
For example, your children might attempt to run from house to house, ignoring crosswalks and traffic signals along the way. Remind them to be aware of their surroundings at all times, though, and share the following tips to ensure their safety
- Look left, right, and left again before crossing the street;
- Always cross at the crosswalk, and wait until you have made eye contact with the approaching motorist;
- Avoid distractions while walking such as digging through the treat bag or using a smartphone; and
- Stay on the sidewalk or walk facing traffic at all times.
- Design Costumes That Do Not Pose Hazards
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Always opt for face paint over masks so your children do not have impaired vision while trick or treating. You should also decorate their treat bags and costumes with reflective tape to help motorists see them better. Additionally, you can give them glow sticks or flashlights to carry for optimum protection.
- Accompany Them on Their Route
If your children are younger than 12, they should not be trick or treating alone. Consider getting in the spirit of the evening by dressing up, too, so your kids will actually be excited to have you accompany them.
- Instruct Them to Stay in a Group
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If you have older children who want to go out alone, advise them to travel in well lit areas with plenty of sidewalk space and to stay with their friends at all times. It is always easier for motorists to see an entire group of people waiting to cross than it is for them to identify one or two individuals at the crosswalk.
Unfortunately, no matter how responsible you are while trick or treating, it only takes one drunk or distracted driver to cause a serious accident. If you were injured or lost a family member due to a negligent motorist, contact Laborde Earles Law Firm.
An injury attorney in Alexandria will help you fight for the maximum compensation and avoid mistakes such as missing important deadlines, overlooking certain damages, or accepting a settlement too early. Call (337) 777-7777 to schedule a free consultation.
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