Children look forward to Halloween with unrivaled anticipation, but this candy-filled festival is a cause of concern among parents. With so many young kids on the road, pedestrian accidents are bound to happen. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2013, 1 in 5 children aged 14 and younger who died in traffic crashes were pedestrians. Fortunately, there are steps that parents can take to keep their children safe.
In addition to teaching your kids how to cross the road and anticipate the actions of drivers, these four Halloween costume tips can help your children stay safe over the holiday:
- Decorate costumes with reflective materials;
- Choose face paint instead of masks;
- Give children glow sticks or flashlights; and
- Make sure the costume is the correct size.
If the worst happens and your child is injured by a negligent driver on Halloween, turn to Morris Bart & Associates, LLC. You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills and other damages.
A Birmingham personal-injury attorney will evaluate your case, interview witnesses, gather evidence and help you claim the maximum compensation. Our legal team will help you avoid mistakes such as overlooking certain damages or making recorded statements to the insurance company. Call 800-537-8185 to schedule a free consultation.
Let’s take a closer look at four Halloween costume tips to keep your children safe:
Decorate Costumes with Reflective Materials
Many Halloween pedestrian accidents happen because drivers do not see children on the street. SafeKids.org suggests that parents add reflective tape and stickers to their kids’ costumes. Avoid dark colors that are difficult to see.
For a free legal consultation, call 800-537-8185
Choose Face Paint Instead of Masks
Masks may be the popular choice on Halloween, but they can obstruct your child’s vision. This could prevent your child from noticing the signs of danger and reacting appropriately. Using face paint instead of masks can prevent this problem.
Give Children Glow Sticks or Flashlights
Glow sticks and flashlights are fun to carry and will make your kids more visible to drivers.
A costume that is too large for your child may inhibit his or her movement. This could cause your child to fall – which can be particularly dangerous when walking adjacent to busy roads. Choose a costume that allows your child to move freely and easily.
Here are a few more tips to keep your child safe on Halloween:
- Only cross the street at crosswalks and intersections;
- Do not listen to headphones while you walk;
- Look left, right and left again before you cross the road;
- Always use sidewalks when they are available;
- Do not run across the street;
- Make eye contact with drivers before you cross the road; and
- Look out for vehicles that are reversing.
If your child sustains an injury on Halloween, contact Morris Bart & Associates, LLC. A Birmingham accident lawyer will evaluate your case to determine if you have grounds for a personal-injury claim. Call 800-537-8185 to schedule a free consultation.
Questions?Call 800-537-8185
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
