There is nothing to cackle about when it comes to children’s safety when trick-or-treating on Halloween in New Jersey. During the holidays, the risk that a child will be injured or killed by a car triples. During Halloween, young children between the ages of 4 and 8 are 10 times more likely to be injured or killed by a car.
Halloween is More Than Just Tricks or Treats
Halloween is not just the scariest holiday of the year, it is also the most dangerous for young children. Police used to warn parents about tainted candy handed out to children. Now, the greatest threat to our young trick-or-treaters is cars. Millions of kids take to the street around dusk in search for candy and treats. Children running in neighborhoods from house to house in the night is a dangerous recipe. An article published by the Washington Post [https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2019/10/28/heres-why-halloween-is-deadliest-day-year-child-pedestrians/] found that 16 pedestrians under the age of 18 are killed by cars on a typical day as compared to 54 pedestrians killed by cars on Halloween.
Driver Safety in NJ on Halloween
The #1 tip for drivers on Halloween is to slow down in neighborhood areas where children are trick-or-treating. Beware of the large groups of children roaming and running the streets in dark search of Halloween candy. Take extra time when entering and exiting driveways and crossing intersections. Do not drive distracted because excited children may dart out into the street. Costumes may be dark and difficult to see in the night. Drive below the speed limit and be cautious. Yield to families and young children crossing the street.
Halloween is NOT About the Boos
- Halloween and alcohol can be deadly combinations
- Never drink and drive
- Make sure you have a designated driver
- Always call a rideshare such as uber or lyft if you consume alcohol
Safety Tips for Trick-Or-Treaters
- Always have an adult with children trick-or-treating
- Make sure the adults have bright flashlights
- Provide children glow-sticks, glow bracelets and necklaces
- Make sure children stay together with their group
- All kids must look both ways and cross streets with a grownup
- Everyone should stay on sidewalks and remember to walk and not run
- If possible, trick-or-treat before the sun sets
Contact MyNJInjuryLawyer
Have a safe Halloween and have fun trick-or-treating! If you or a family member suffers a trick instead of a treat, or is injured on Halloween, you should contact an attorney familiar with handling these claims. My NJ Injury Lawyer Howard P. Lesnik, Esq. offers free strategy sessions to address any issue or questions you may have about your injury, medical bills or your accident claim.
Please contact NJ Injury Lawyer Howard Lesnik, Esq., immediately if you were involved in a pedestrian accident and were injured or suffered damages on Halloween. I personally handle NJ personal injury cases on a regular basis. Please contact me now by email, by phoning 908.264.7701, or by completing the form to the right to schedule your complimentary 30-minute strategy session.
