Dangers Lurk As Halloween Approaches

With Halloween approaching, many people are putting the final touches on their costumes, buying candy to hand out and planning which parties to attend. But it’s important to remember that there is more to keep in mind than which trick-or-treating route you’re going to take.

Many people don’t know that children are twice as likely to be killed by a car while walking on Halloween night, according to The American College of Emergency Physicians. Additionally, the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration estimates that nearly 60 percent of Halloween highway fatalities involve impaired drivers, so adults who are attending parties should be sure to have a designated driver. To help avoid these accidents, children should carry flashlights, and stick reflective tape on costumes and treat bags so drivers can easily spot them. Or even better, parents should choose a glow-in-the-dark costume for kids.

Accidental stabbings and wounds are also a danger to consider. Because many costumes incorporate swords and knives, children can accidently pierce someone with these costume accessories, so it’s best to buy or make costume weapons only of flexible material. Costumes can act as another hazard when they interfere with the wearer’s ability to walk. In fact, according to the National Safety Council, falls are the leading cause of unintentional injury on Halloween.

While the glow of a candle lighting up a Jack-o-Lantern’s face is the ultimate symbol of Halloween, it’s important to remember that these can also be fire hazards. Solutions to this issue include replacing real flame candles with battery operated candles and making sure to read costume labels carefully and dress children only in “flame resistant” materials.

Personal injury attorney John E. Leighton has a passion for representing individuals who have been seriously injured due to the negligence of others. Mr. Leighton has extensive experience with litigating and trying complex motor vehicle and trucking cases throughout Florida and around the country, as well as being a board certified civil trial specialist who has spent 28 years working for victims of negligence in personal injury matters.

Make sure to have a happy and safe Halloween this year.