It’s that time of year when children and adults are getting excited about Halloween. How so? Well, for example, Halloween is among the highest level of consumer spending for U.S. holidays. Parents are buying costumes for their children and candy for trick-or-treaters. Adults are buying their own costumes and plenty of party supplies. Good times for all indeed. However, amid the fun and excitement, Halloween can be a dangerous time for children and adults alike. Before wishing you a happy and safe Halloween, let’s look at some of the dangers.

Pedestrian Accidents

In 2019, a study was conducted using four decades of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The study found that pedestrian fatalities were 43% higher on Halloween than on any other night of the year. In fact, Halloween is the deadliest day of the year for child pedestrians.  While I could not find statistics on non-fatal Halloween pedestrian accidents, common sense dictates that there is an increased likelihood of pedestrians getting seriously injured while trick-or-treating.

Because of these scary statistics, please make sure children have adult supervision. If you cannot be there, make sure they:

• Have a well-lit costume.
• Use crosswalks and sidewalks.
• Obey traffic signs.
• Bring a light source such as a flashlight or glow sticks.
• Try to stay in well-lit areas.
• Avoid walking between parked cars,

Costumes, Decorations, and Other Hazards

The risk of Halloween injuries doesn’t end with pedestrian accidents.  Trick-or-treaters can also get hurt on the job – the job of collecting candy. For instance, kids or parents can be injured by tripping over Halloween decorations, an extension cord, a garden hose, or on dilapidated front steps. Ill-fitting costumes or a mask with poor visibility certainly increase the chances of a trip and fall. Or the homeowner’s dog can mistake a child for an intruder.  Elaborate Halloween displays can be a hazard for burns or electrocution. As you can see, there are plenty of hazards out there. Be careful!

Now, the Adults

Halloween is not just for kids.  Halloween is a big-time party occasion for adults which may include a large consumption of alcohol.  When drinking is involved, it is not surprising that injuries can result.  Consequently, people get hurt in motor vehicle accidents, fights, falls, and by the poor judgment and actions of their drunken, fellow partygoers.  Have fun at your Halloween parties but be on the lookout for signs of danger.

All of us at The Fegley Law Firm wish you and your family a happy and safe Halloween.  However, we are here to help if something goes wrong.