Halloween is a fun time of year full of superheroes, witches, and ghosts, and countless pedestrians walking around busy streets in various neighborhoods. Whether you’re a driver or pedestrian, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and remain extra cautious to avoid any possible accidents.
According to a 2019 report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 6,205 pedestrians died in traffic collisions that year alone. A study by the Journal of the American Medical Association also found that the risk of pedestrian fatality is 43% higher on Halloween due to the amount of pedestrians out on busy streets.
That’s why we’ve put together tips you should follow to guarantee your safety and the safety of others:
Tips for Drivers
- Don’t use your phone while driving.
- Be extra attentive of your surroundings as you drive and double check when turning or coming up to a stop sign.
- Be extra careful when driving at dusk as sun glares can make it harder to see pedestrians and limit your field of view.
- To help avoid this, be sure to clean your windshield as it’ll lessen the amount of streaks on the glass.
- Drive slowly.
- This means that you should be driving slower than the speed limit to allow extra stopping time for if you need to check your surrounding area.
- Use your headlights.
- Even if it isn’t dark out yet, having your headlights on increases safety as it allows other drivers and pedestrians to see you more easily.
Tips for Pedestrians
- Don’t let children trick or treat alone.
- Those under 12 should have a parent accompany them and travel in groups.
- Wear reflective clothing and use flashlights to ensure that drivers and other pedestrians can see you.
- Be on the lookout for distracted drivers.
- Follow safety rules.
- This includes looking both ways before crossing, only crossing the street at pedestrian crossings, and not crossing between cars.
By taking these extra precautions and discussing them with kids, friends, and family, you can all make your Halloween safer and focus on having a fun night.
Bart Durham Injury Law is Here to Help
In the unfortunate instance that you are involved in a pedestrian accident involving a driver, our team is here to diligently fight for your right to fair compensation.
Contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced pedestrian injury lawyer.