green checkmark Google Screened
  • Contact Us Today

    • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
  • Philadelphia Personal Injury Lawyers Report on Halloween Safety Tips

    Halloween is quickly approaching and soon kids all over the country will be trick- or-treating in colorful costumes. As kids head from house to house collecting candy, it is important to remember to be safe while traveling through the neighborhood.

    Children under the age of 12 should always be accompanied by an adult while trick-or-treating. Older kids going out on their own should stick to well-lit, familiar areas and stay with their group at all times. Trick-or-treaters should always stay on the sidewalk and obey traffic signals to prevent a pedestrian accident. When crossing the street, families should use crosswalks and look both ways before stepping into the street. Cars can pull out of parking spots, make turns or back up suddenly. Because of this, kids on the streets and their parents should always be paying attention and not distracted by cell phones or other devices.

    Safety should also be a factor when choosing children’s costumes. Parents should opt for costumes featuring face paint rather than masks, which can obstruct a child’s vision. Costumes should be the right size to avoid tripping hazards and, if possible, they should be light-colored with reflective strips to make them highly visible to motorists. Carrying glow sticks or flashlights can also help drivers see children as they are walking and reduce the risk of a tragic car accident.

    Drivers and Homeowners Can Help Keep Kids Safe

    The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that twice as many children are killed in auto accidents on Halloween than on any other night. Drivers should use extra caution when traveling on Halloween. Excited children can be unpredictable, so when driving on residential streets, go slowly and spend extra time checking intersections before proceeding. Moreover, drivers must carefully check before pulling in or out of driveways and alleys. Pedestrian traffic will be heaviest between 4:00 and 10:00 p.m. on October 31st, so drivers should make sure that their headlights are on and, most importantly, make sure they are not distracted while driving.

    Homeowners can also do their part to help keep kids safe on Halloween. Pathways to front doors should be kept clear and well-lit, and any hazards around the doorway such as damaged roofs or debris from gutters should be cleaned up before the holiday to reduce the risk of a slip and fall accident. Any decorations involving electricity must be used according to the manufacturer’s instructions to prevent an electrical fire, and candles should be closely monitored. The National Fire Prevention Association estimates that holiday decorations started an average of 1,000 fires per year between 2006 and 2010.

    Philadelphia Personal Injury Law Firm of Galfand Berger Represent Victims of All Types of Accidental Injuries

    Philadelphia personal injury lawyers at Galfand Berger want everyone to have a safe and happy Halloween. When accidents do happen, our legal team can help you review your options and determine who is responsible for your injuries. With offices conveniently located in Center City, Philadelphia, we help personal injury victims throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Call us today at 1-800-222-8792 or contact us online.

    ALLENTOWN/BETHLEHEM
    1-800-222-USWA (8792)

    LANCASTER
    717-824-3376

    READING
    610-376-1696