Children of all ages look forward to Halloween night. They get anxious to dress up as firemen, princesses, or as their favorite cartoon characters. They are thrilled by the thought of collecting pounds of candy and staying up late – way past their bedtime. This extra excitement can make these children forget safety rules like looking before crossing the street, only crossing at crosswalks and watching out for approaching vehicles.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has stated that the risk of pedestrian accidents is four times higher on Halloween night than on any other night of the year. As a driver, it is your responsibility to do all that you can to ensure the little ghosts and goblins get home safely.
If you are driving on Halloween night, remember the following safety tips:
- Do not use a cell phone to talk or text while driving. While you should never be on your cell phone while driving, this is especially important with children running the streets. You must be aware of your surroundings and be prepared to stop at a moment’s notice.
- Scan your surroundings. Watch out for children who are on sidewalks, crosswalks or on the side of the road. Expect the unexpected and be prepared for them to cross in front of your vehicle.
- Drive slowly. Drive BELOW the speed limit, especially when traveling through neighborhoods and residential areas.
- Turn off your music. Turn your music off and open your windows if the weather allows. This will give your sense of hearing a chance to scan for children as well.
- Be cautious around other vehicles. If other vehicles are moving slowly or are stopped, be cautious when passing. They could be following, dropping off, or picking up a group of children.
- Turn on your hazard lights. If you are picking up or dropping off children, signal your intentions to others. Pull off of the road into a safe area. Make sure it is safe before allowing the children to load into the vehicle.
- If at all possible, refrain from driving. If you do not have to drive, don’t. Or, instead of following your children in your car, park your vehicle and walk around with the group.
No matter whether you are walking or driving this Halloween, keep an extra eye and ear out for others around you. If your child has been injured by a negligent driver, you may be eligible to receive compensation. Contact a Bucks County car crash lawyer at Cordisco & Saile to find out what to do after a Pennsylvania pedestrian accident.
