Tips to Avoid Halloween Pedestrian Accidents

Halloween is a time in which many people enjoy the trill of false danger--haunted houses, horror flicks, and creepy costumes. However, some of the dangers of Halloween are very real, and one of biggest hazards for little trick-or-treaters is pedestrian accidents.

The statistics regarding pedestrian accidents on Halloween are sobering, indeed. In an analysis of 20 years of accident statistics, the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) Fatal Accident Reporting System (FARS) reveals that Halloween is the "deadliest day" for child pedestrian deaths.

On any given day, there are 2.6 child pedestrian fatalities. However, on Halloween, that number more than doubles. Over the last 21 years, 115 children died in fatal pedestrian accidents on Halloween--an average of 5.5 deaths.

FARS data also indicates that more than half of all child pedestrian accidents on Halloween occur between 4:00 p.m. and midnight, which makes sense because that's when kids are out trick-or-treating. The "deadliest hour" is between 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. In Oklahoma, we are fortunate that it is still fairly light outside during this time, especially since Daylight Savings Time has been pushed back to early November. This change in Daylight Savings Time could be partly responsible for a decline in pedestrian accidents on Halloween--each year between 2005 and 2010, the number of child deaths in pedestrian accidents fell beneath the 5.5 average. While it is especially critical to be watchful after dark, it is important to be watchful at any time. Just last year, a 7-year-old Tulsa boy wearing his Halloween costume was struck and killed on his way to catch the school bus--at 7:00 in the morning.

Child safety experts encourage parents and children to use crosswalks and cross only at street corners and intersection, rather than in the middle of the block. Rightly so. Statistics show that 70% of all fatal child pedestrian accidents on Halloween occur away from intersections and crosswalks.

While drivers of all ages are involved in accidents that kill children, young drivers are particularly at risk of striking a child. FARS data shows that drivers between the ages of 15-25 are involved in nearly one third of all fatal child pedestrian accidents on Halloween. Parents of teens and young adults should remind their teen drivers to be vigilant and to watch for children who may suddenly dart out into the street. Better yet, do not let your teen drive on Halloween, but be his or her chauffeur to parties and events.

How can you prevent your child from becoming a Halloween accident statistic? Observe these pedestrian safety tips from Safe Kids:

• Cross streets safely. Cross at a corner, using traffic signals and crosswalks. Try to make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of them. Don't assume that because you can see the driver, the driver can see you. Look left, right and left again when crossing, and keep looking as you cross. Walk, don't run, across the street.
• Walk on sidewalks or paths. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible. Children should walk on direct routes with the fewest street crossings.
• Children under age 12 should not go trick or treating without adult supervision. If you are mature enough to go tick-or-treating without supervision, stick to a predetermined route with good lighting.
• Be a safe pedestrian around cars. Watch for cars that are turning or backing up. Never dart out into the street or cross in between parked cars.
• Costumes and bags should be decorated with retro-reflective tape or stickers and, if possible, made of light colors.
• Face paint and makeup are a better choice for children because they do not hinder vision as masks do.
• Kids should carry glow sticks or flashlights in order to see better in the dark as well as be seen by drivers.

Drivers also have a responsibility to be aware of their surroundings and to be on the lookout for children and adults who may walking through neighborhoods on Halloween. Avoid causing a serious accident by using these driver safety tips:

• Turn on your headlights at dusk to improve visibility.
• Slow down in neighborhoods, school zones, or anywhere children may be present.
• Avoid backover accidents by walking around your vehicle before backing up, then carefully checking behind you as you back out of driveways.
• Avoid distractions. Put your cell phone out of reach so you won't be tempted to check it, and remain focused on safe driving.
• Do not drink and drive. Designate a sober driver. Even small amounts of alcohol can impair your reaction time, and if a child darts out in front of you, you'll need to react quickly.

We wish you and your family a safe and happy Halloween. We hope these tips can help you avoid an accident, but if someone else's negligence or carelessness causes harm to you or a loved one, contact us to find out how we can help you get compensation for your injuries and losses.