Halloween is here, and millions of children across the U.S. are getting ready to hit the streets and start collecting goodies.

While Halloween can be a fun time for children and parents, however, it is also a time when children face a far greater risk of being in a pedestrian accident. In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Halloween is one of the top three days of the year during which the most pedestrian accidents occur.

To make sure everyone enjoys a safe and fun Halloween this year, below are some important safety tips for children (i.e., trick-or-treating pedestrians), as well as drivers.

Halloween Safety Tips for Children

  • pedestrian crossing sign

    Never go trick-or-treating alone.

  • Only cross the street at designated locations, like at corners with stop signs, where crosswalks are and at traffic signals.
  • Only cross when you have the right of way, when cars are stopped and when you are sure that motorists see you.
  • Every time before crossing the street, be sure to look left, right and then left again to make sure no cars are coming your way.
  • Do not run on sidewalks or let yourself get distracted. Always be alert to your surroundings so you can react ASAP if there is any type of danger.
  • If you will be out at night, be sure to have a flashlight or glow stick and/or to wear reflectors or bright clothing to be as visible as possible to drivers.

Halloween Safety Tips for Drivers

  • Drive slower in neighborhoods, like at least 5 mph slower, due to the higher volume of pedestrian traffic on Halloween.
  • Watch for children and expect them not to know pedestrian safety. This means you should be prepared to brake at any time.
  • Be especially careful when entering or exiting driveways and alleyways.
  • Turn your headlights on during the early evening hours (not just as night).

Contact a Kingston Car Accident Attorney at Charles N. Rock, P.L.L.C.

Have you or someone you love been injured in a traffic accident? Or have you lost a loved one to a fatal car accident? If so, you can turn to Kingston Car Accident Attorney Charles N. Rock for aggressive legal advocacy and effective help obtaining the compensation to which you may be entitled.

To find out more about your best options for moving forward, contact us today to schedule a free, no obligations initial consultation. You can set up this meeting by calling (845) 3831170 or by emailing us using the contact form on this page. To ensure that you have the legal support you need now, Attorney Charles N. Rock can meet you at your home or a hospital when needed.