Halloween is a night when Nevada residents of all ages celebrate in their own way. However, the combination of kids walking the neighborhood streets trick-or-treating and partygoers who may have had a drink or two before or during their festivities driving in an impaired state can lead to tragic consequences. The hours between 4 p.m. and midnight are the most dangerous for pedestrians.
In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there are more pedestrian injuries and fatalities on Halloween than just about any other day of the year. It's among the top three nights for accidents involving pedestrians.
The American Automobile Association gives some advice for both parents of trick-or-treaters as well as motorists to help keep the holiday safe and fun for all.
Safety tips for parents:
- Make sure that your children's costumes allow them to see and be seen. Masks can obstruct their vision. Face paint may be a good alternative. Ensure that their costumes have reflective material or tape so that the kids are easy to spot.
- It's best to accompany your children while trick-or-treating. However, whether you go with them or you feel like they're old enough to go themselves, go over safety precautions such as only crossing the street at intersections and not walking between parked cars.
Safety tips for drivers:
- Try to avoid driving through neighborhoods where children are likely to be walking.
- If you do drive through a residential area, do so slowly. Keep a lookout for kids who may be crossing where they shouldn't or may be wearing dark clothes. Check carefully for children before you start up your car, either in a driveway or on the street.
- Needless to say, if there's any chance that you may be drinking, don't drive. Halloween night is a great one for Uber drivers, so you likely won't have trouble getting one quickly.
No matter how safe we try to be, we can't control everyone else's actions. If you or a loved one are injured in a pedestrian accident, you could be looking at substantial costs for medical care, physical therapy and more. It's wise to find out what your legal options are for holding an at-fault driver accountable.
Source: WTSP Channel 10 News, "Halloween one of the top 3 days for accidents," accessed Oct. 22, 2015