Halloween is one of the most deadly days for children to be hit by a moving vehicle. According to the American College of Emergency Physicians, kids are four times as likely to be struck by a car on Halloween, than on any other day of the year. They are twice as likely to be killed in the accident.
Trick or treaters are often wearing dark clothing, and when moving in groups a child lagging behind, crossing the street, or who has fallen in a crosswalk may not be seen by motorists.
As a parent there are a number of things you can do to keep your child safe.
- Educate
- Explain the dangers to your child. Make an agreement before anyone leaves that everyone sticks together, crosswalks are the only way to cross the street, everyone stays on the sidewalk and no one runs ahead or lags behind.
- Add Shine!
- Use reflective tape and decals on clothing. You can find a variety of reflective materials online or at local businesses such as fabric, hobby and hardware stores. Place reflective materials on areas that headlights are likely to hit.
- Use battery operated blinking lights, glow sticks and glow jewelry to catch the eye.
- Modify the Costume
- Be sure your child’s legs can move freely, and that they aren’t at risk for tripping and falling in their costume. A child that falls may have difficulty getting up, especially if they are also wearing a mask.
- If a mask is used test it to determine how much peripheral vision our child has. You can do this by holding up fingers to the side of your child’s head. Ask your child to tell you how many they see. Enlarge the eye holes if necessary.
Halloween is a fun holiday and with these three simple Halloween Safety Tips, your child will be safer.
As a doctor and a father Greg Vigna M.D. J.D. is committed to helping kids and families stay safe. As a personal injury attorney he advocates for life long needs through a fully developed Life Care Plan that is the foundation of your legal case. Please contact us if you or a loved one has been involved in an injury accident.
