How to Prevent These Common Halloween Injuries

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Halloween is one of the most enjoyable holidays for young people and families. Most of us have fond memories of dressing up in costumes and going out trick-or-treating. Unfortunately, common Halloween activities can lead to accidents that injure children, teens, and others. If you or your family members plan to go out this Halloween, you should familiarize yourself with the common accidents and injuries that occur during. This includes what you can do to prevent them from occurring. 

Halloween Accident Statistics

According to records from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System, Halloween has the highest rate of child pedestrian fatalities. Over the years 1990 through 2010, an average of 5.5 child pedestrian fatalities occurred on Halloween. This is more than twice the average on all other days. In addition, nearly a quarter of all auto accidents on Halloween occurred during the 6 p.m. hour. Sixty percent of accidents happen during the period of 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The vast majority of pedestrian accidents occurred outside of an intersection or crosswalk. Drivers aged 15 to 25 accounted for the highest number of child pedestrian fatalities out of each age group. This accounted for nearly one-third of all accidents.

Fortunately, rates of auto accidents involving children have been decreasing in recent years. 

Common Halloween Injuries

Some of the most common Halloween accidents include:

• Distracted driving accidents
• Drunk or drugged driving accidents
• Slip and fall or trip and fall accidents
• Pedestrian accidents
• Costume accidents, which can lead to burn injuries or perforation injuries, or can also lead to hypothermia on a colder Halloween evening

Halloween accidents can cause injuries such as lacerations, road rash, broken bones, dislocated joints, ligament sprains and muscle/tendon strains, spinal injuries and paralysis, or head injuries and traumatic brain injuries. 

How to Prevent or Reduce the Risk of Halloween Injuries

Families can take steps to help prevent Halloween accidents or reduce the risk of being injured on the holiday. Tips to keep everyone safe for Halloween include:

• Wear costumes that have bright colors and are flame-resistant. If wearing a darker costume, consider adding reflective tape if going out walking or trick-or-treating in the evening. Also, consider wearing face paint rather than a mask, which can restrict vision
• Everyone going out walking or trick-or-treating should carry a flashlight or lantern to help make themselves more visible to drivers
• Keep jack-o-lanterns away from walking paths. Furthermore, you should also use battery-powered lights to light jack-o-lanterns from the inside, rather than open-flame candles
• Keep walkways dry, clean, and free of debris. If possible, use portable lights to help trick-or-treaters know where your walkways are so that they can avoid lawns where they might trip over decorations or other hazards
• Accompany young children during trick-or-treating. Only approach homes that have lights on, and never allow your child to enter someone else’s home
• When walking around, always use the sidewalk if available. If a street does not have a sidewalk, walk along the edge of the street on the side facing traffic. Cross the street at marked crosswalks or intersections whenever possible
• Always look both ways before crossing the street. Never assume that an approaching driver sees you or will yield the right of way

Contact a Rochelle Park Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Case in New Jersey

Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries in New Jersey? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at The Epstein Law Firm represent clients injured in Jersey City, Union City, Bayonne, Hoboken, and throughout New Jersey. Call (201) 380-7687 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 340 West Passaic St., Rochelle Park, NJ 07762.

The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.