Celebrate Halloween with Our Safety Tips in Mind

by | Oct 31, 2019

At Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C., we want to wish you a very Happy Halloween. We also want to help you celebrate in the safest way possible. That’s why we’ve compiled the following set of safety tips:

If You’re Behind the Wheel

As trick-or-treaters roam the streets, drive with extra caution to avoid pedestrian accidents.

  • Keep your headlights on at all times. Even if it’s not dark, your lights will alert pedestrians to your presence.
  • Drive 5 mph under the speed limit. According to AAA, this small precaution can give you extra reaction time.
  • Watch for children on roadways, medians, and curbs. If they are wearing dark costumes, they will be especially hard to see at night.
  • Broaden your scanning by looking for children in front yards and porches. This behavior can help you anticipate children who may dart out in front of you.
  • Expect the unexpected. Children may be hidden between parked cars and run into the road anywhere at any time.
  • Be careful when entering and exiting driveways and alleyways. Pedestrians always have the right of way.
  • Do not pass cars that are stopped on the roadway. Trick-or-treaters may be getting in or out of the vehicles.
  • Pull over before using a smartphone or another handheld device. These can be unnecessary distractions while driving.
  • NEVER drive while under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. Call a taxi or rideshare service if you’ve had too much to drink.

While You’re Walking

If you’re taking your little ones out, or going to your favorite haunts on foot, here’s how to maximize your safety after dark.

  • Wear brightly colored costumes and add reflective tape to outfits and bags to make yourself more visible to drivers.
  • Carry a flashlight and glow sticks to illuminate your path.
  • Keep your vision and movement clear by avoiding masks and ill-fitting costumes.
  • Make sure props are flexible and soft, so they can’t hurt anyone in the event of an accident.
  • Walk on sidewalks whenever they are available. If there is no sidewalk, walk on the shoulder of the road facing traffic.
  • Look both ways and listen for traffic before crossing the street.
  • ALWAYS cross at crosswalks and in well-lit intersections.
  • NEVER cross between cars or mid-block.
  • Skip houses that have their lights off.
  • Use the buddy system and make a plan to get home safe.
  • Leave drugs and alcohol at home and keep cell phones in your pocket.

At Home

If you’re celebrating at home, there’s also a few ways to keep safety in mind:

  • Use non-toxic face paints while getting ready and avoid flammable costumes and decorations.
  • If you are expecting trick-or-treaters or party guests, make sure your doorway is well-lit and free of tripping hazards.
  • Put pets in another room while you hand out candy or entertain guests.
  • Use LED-lit candles instead of real candles in Jack-O-Lanterns and other decorations, and make sure your décor does not obscure walkways.
  • If you don’t celebrate the holiday, turn off exterior lights and lock your door.
  • Keep your car in the garage to keep it safe from harmful pranks.
  • Make sure your property is as safe and secure as possible at all times to prevent any premises liability lawsuits!

Stay Safe Tonight!

Regardless of your plans, we hope you’ve found some useful advice in our blog. While adhering to our safety tips will help prevent accidents, we understand you cannot control the actions of others.

If you are injured by another person’s misbehavior on All Hallow’s Eve, our legal team at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. is here for you.

Call (202) 659-8600 with all your legal questions, and discuss your concerns during a free consultation.

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