Many people across the country look forward to Halloween. Children and adults alike often have aspects of the holiday that they enjoy, even if parents are just looking forward to their children’s excitement. You may enjoy this time of year for various reasons, but you also understand how important it is to stay safe while having fun.
Families and older children who trick-or-treat by themselves often go out on foot. You may plan to take a particular route with your children this coming Halloween while leaving the car at home. However, pedestrian accidents are common occurrences on Halloween, so you will undoubtedly want to make sure that you and your children stay as safe as possible.
Trick-or-treat tips
When walking in the evening or at night when visibility is limited, it pays to remain in a group. As you plan out your trick-or-treat route, ask neighbors, friends or other family members if they would like to follow the route together. If you have a large group, drivers may be more likely to see you. Additionally, carrying a flashlight and giving one to each of your children could also increase visibility as well as using reflective tape or material on costumes and treat bags.
It is also important that you use sidewalks and remain in well-lit areas when possible. Staying away from busy streets can help decrease the chances of a pedestrian accident, but if you do walk near a road that does not have a sidewalk, always walk facing oncoming traffic. It is also important that everyone in the group knows not to dart ahead or try to cross streets alone. Staying together and crossing the street as a group at established crosswalks is a valuable safety measure.
Handling an accident
Unfortunately, despite your best efforts, a negligent or reckless driver could easily cause an accident on Halloween. You or your child could end up suffering serious injuries on what should have been an enjoyable outing. If this happens, the effects could be long-lasting.
Depending on the specific details, it may be worth your while to look into filing a personal injury claim against the driver considered at fault for the incident. A successful claim could allow for the awarding of compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages allowable under Florida law.