Blog

Accident Attorney

by Andrew L. Shapiro
(818) 907-3230

Halloween isn’t usually our most dangerous holiday when it comes to safety on the roads. That infamy is generally attached to the “drinking” festivals like Thanksgiving, Memorial Day or the Fourth of July, according to the National Safety Council.

But this year, Halloween happens to fall on a Friday, which means many revelers won’t have to get up early to get to work the following morning. Halloween parties are a lot more tempting when held on Fridays or Saturdays, than say, Tuesday.

Combine that factor along with the number of trick-or-treaters out on the road that evening plus the number of distracted drivers navigating pedestrian-crowded neighborhoods, and All Hallows Eve starts to look just a little scarier this year. With that in mind, we thought we’d share some Halloween safety tips, in the hopes of keeping you and yours celebrating in good health.

Pedestrian Safety:

1. Add reflective tape to costumes and treat bags, particularly if the costume is dark-colored. Drivers will see you better if you’re not blending into the shadows.
2. Use a flashlight, or carry glow sticks.
3. If wearing a mask, make sure it fits well. You want good peripheral vision to avoid stepping on your fellow ghouls and goblins and crossing the street. (Don’t wear your mask while driving. You want good peripheral vision when behind the wheel too.)
4. Keep clear of candles, especially if wearing flowing robes or other costumes that billow and trail.
5. Remember the basics: Use sidewalks and crosswalks whenever possible, and look both ways before crossing.

Other Halloween Safety Reminders:

1. Make sure costume accessories are soft and short. You don’t want to trip others with swords and light sabers, or poke someone in the eye with Neptune’s trident.
2. Trick-or-treating is a “buddy” activity. Don’t go alone, or let your kids go alone.
3. Examine the goodies for tampering before consumption. Make sure you keep smaller children away from treats that may cause choking.
4. Decorative contact lenses may cause eye injuries. If you must have cat eyes for the evening, at least spring for an optometrist’s exam so you can get properly fitting lenses.
5. Halloween makeup and accessories like fangs should be tested well in advance. Allergic reactions and mouth abrasions can really make mayhem of your holiday.

Remember, common sense is key. You’ve heard all or most of the above recommendations before, but sometimes in the spirit of the season, we tend to forget. Here’s hoping you remember – and that you also have a safe, and Happy Halloween.

Andrew L. Shapiro is the Chair of our Personal Injury Practice Group. Contact him via email: ashapiro@lewitthackman.com or by phone: (818) 907-3230.