Halloween can be an exciting time for families, especially children. Carnivals, trick-or-treating, parties, and haunted houses can all make for a spooktacular Halloween; but moms and dads need to be very cautious when it comes to Halloween safety.

Here are some scary statistics that parents need to pay attention to:

• Each year, only 1/3 of parents talk to their children about Halloween safety, although ¾ report having Halloween safety fears.
• 12% of children under the age of 6 are permitted to trick-or-treat alone.
• Children are more than twice as likely to be killed by a car striking them on Halloween than on any other day of the year.
• Only 18% of parents use reflective tape on Halloween costumes.

Follow these safety tips for a fun, magical Halloween:

Costume Safety

• All costumes and accessories need to be fire-resistant.
• Costumes should be brightly colored, or have reflective tape added, so that they can easily be seen by drivers of on-coming cars.
• Make sure your children can easily walk in their costumes without tripping. Alter baggy, or oversized costumes, so they won’t drag the ground.
• Eyeholes and masks need to provide enough visibility and ventilation.
• Avoid accessories with sharp points.

Trick-or-Treating

• Have children carry a bright-colored trick-or-treat bag, and carry a flashlight.
• Trick-or-treat in familiar neighborhoods, at homes of people you know.
• Make sure all children have adult supervision while trick-or-treating.
• Teach children to “look both ways before crossing the street”, and NOT to use electronic devices while doing so.
• Instruct children not to eat any treats until an adult can check to be sure they’re safe; then dispose of any candy that is not wrapped, or loosely wrapped.
• Contact police if it appears that any treats have been tampered with.

Adults also need to practice safety on Halloween, even if you don’t have any children. Here are some tips to help keep all children safe:

• Make sure your home is well-lit.
• Clear steps and lawns of anything that children can trip over.
• Drive slowly, and watch for children.
• Don’t pass stopped vehicles.
• Discourage new, inexperienced drivers from being on the roads on Halloween.
• Do NOT use your phone while driving.

To find awesome Halloween events in South Carolina, for children and adults, click here.

 

The Law Offices of David L. Hood: Here to Fight for Injury Victims in Georgetown and Horry Counties and Throughout South Carolina

Here at the Law Offices of David L. Hood, we have years of experience representing injured victims in South Carolina, and we offer a free initial consultation so we can listen to your story and provide candid advice about what your legal options are. If you choose to hire us, we also work on a contingent fee basis, which means you don’t pay fees or expenses unless we achieve a settlement or win your case in court.

If you or a loved one has recently been injured through no fault of your own, contact the Law Offices of David L. Hood at (843) 491-6025 or fill out our online contact form and we’ll get in touch to schedule your free consultation. We know accidents can turn a person’s life upside-down, but we’re here to support you and guide you at every step in your journey toward justice and healing.

The content provided here is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject.

Online references used in this article:

Halloween Safety Tips http://www.chp.edu/injury-prevention/safety/holiday-and-seasonal/halloween

National Safety Council https://www.nsc.org/home-safety/tools-resources/seasonal-safety/autumn/halloween

Halloween Safety Guide http://www.halloween-safety.com/halloween_safety_adults.html

Safe Kids Worldwide https://www.safekids.org/infographic/quick-tips-safe-halloween