Unfortunately, children across Florida are injured or killed in pedestrian accidents on Halloween. In most cases, these pedestrian accidents are completely preventable as they result from the negligence or recklessness of motorists. While Halloween is considered one of the most fun holidays for young children, it is also the most dangerous day of the year for children when it comes to pedestrian accidents.
If you plan on taking your young ones out this Halloween for trick-or-treating, you should familiarize yourself with the potential risks of pedestrian accidents and what you and your family can do to keep your children safe for the holiday.
Halloween Pedestrian Accident Statistics
An analysis of U.S. motor vehicle accident data from the years 1990 to 2010, published by the Fatality Analysis Reporting System, found that the average number of child pedestrian fatalities on Halloween was more than twice as high as the average number of fatalities on any other day of the year. One-quarter of all child pedestrian fatalities on Halloween occurred during the 6 p.m. hour, while more than half of all fatalities happened between the hours of 5 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Over 70 percent of child pedestrian fatalities on Halloween occurred somewhere other than a crosswalk or intersection. Children aged 12 to 15 had the highest rate of fatalities, accounting for about one-third of all under-18 pedestrian fatalities on Halloween, while children aged five to eight had the next highest rate at about one-quarter of all fatalities.
Drivers between the ages of 15 and 25 were involved in approximately one-third of all child pedestrian fatalities on Halloween.
Tips to Keep Trick-or-Treaters Safe
You can help keep children safe while out trick-or-treating this Halloween by following these simple safety tips:
- Children should never trick-or-treat alone. Children should always travel in groups, while children younger than 12 should be accompanied by adult chaperones. Always have enough adults for any trick-or-treating group to ensure that no child can wander off on their own unnoticed.
- Costumes should have bright colors. If wearing a darker costume, add reflective tape to the costume and/or the candy bag/bucket.
- Consider having children wear face paint rather than a mask, which can restrict visibility. Any accessories for costumes, such as swords or pitchforks, should be short, soft, and flexible.
- Try to finish up trick-or-treating before it gets dark.
- If out after sundown, children and adult chaperones should carry flashlights or lanterns to make themselves more visible to drivers.
- Only walk on sidewalks if available. If a street does not have a sidewalk, walk as close to the edge of the street as possible, facing oncoming traffic.
- Only cross at intersections or marked crosswalks. Never walk into the street from between two parked or stopped vehicles.
- Remind children to look both ways before crossing the street. Always cross in groups. Never step out in front of an oncoming vehicle; do not assume that a driver sees you or will yield the right of way.
Contact a Fort Lauderdale Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Pedestrian Accident Case in Florida
Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to a pedestrian accident in Florida? 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 Lawlor, White & Murphey represent clients injured because of pedestrian accidents in Coconut Creek, Plantation, Pompano Beach, and Pembroke Pines, and throughout Florida. Call (954) 525-2345 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 2211 Davie Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312, as well as offices in Pembroke Pines, Weston, Coconut Creek, Plantation, and Pompano Beach.
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