Child Accident Risks Highest on All Hallow’s Eve

Oct 15, 2013 - Personal Injury by Cross & Smith

Everyone loves a good scare on Halloween, but not when it comes to child safety. There are several easy and effective behaviors that parents can share with kids to help reduce their risk of injury.

During Halloween, children are more likely to be killed in a pedestrian accident than any other night of the year. This is why it’s important that we not only instill safe habits before the big night, but that we also provide supervision to smaller kids who need it.

It’s also important that we dress them in safe costumes that won’t cause any problems.

Our Birmingham child injury lawyers are here with some important tips to help get through All Hallow’s Eve safely. The first thing you’re going to want to make sure of is your child’s costume. You don’t want to send them out in anything dangerous. Look for flame-resistant labels when buying costumes, masks, beards, and wigs. According the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), such products not only resist burning but also burn out quickly if they do catch on fire. Make sure they’re equipped with shoes that a comfortable and will keep them safe. Sneakers are your best bet. You also want to stay away from masks. They can obstruct your child’s vision and can put them in a scary situation. If all else fails, cut out larger eye holes in the mask so they can see their surroundings much easier. Consider adding reflective tape or striping to costumes and trick-or-treat bags for greater visibility, too.

Pedestrian Safety Tips:

-Children under the age of 12 should not be alone at night without adult supervision. If kids are mature enough to be out without supervision, remind them to stick to familiar areas that are well lit and trick-or-treat in groups.

-If your older children are going alone, plan and review the route that is acceptable to you. Agree on a specific time when they should return home.

-Only go to houses with porch lights on and walk on sidewalks on lit streets (never walk through alleys or across lawns).

-Children should only enter homes known to them and with prior approval by parents.

-Cross the street only at street corners and on crosswalks.

-Look left, right and left again before and during your walk across the street.

Costume Safety:

-Size it right. In case it’s chilly outdoors, make sure your child’s costume is loose enough for warm clothing to be worn underneath — but not long enough to cause tripping. Avoid oversized shoes and high heels. Falls are the leading cause of unintentional injuries, so watch out for long hems.

-Put a nametag — with your phone number — on your children’s costumes.

-Use make-up instead of masks. Hypoallergenic, non-toxic face paint is a better choice than a mask, which may obscure your child’s vision and hinder his breathing. If you do opt for a mask, cut oversized holes for his eyes and mouth, and encourage him to take the mask off each time he crosses the street.

– Tie hats and scarves securely to prevent them from slipping over children’s eyes and obstructing vision.

-Swords, knives and similar costume accessories should be made of soft, flexible material.

Treat Safety:

-Feed your kids a hearty, early dinner so they’re not too tempted to sneak treats on the go.

-Inspect all candy before handing it over to your child.

-Toss out any candy that appears to be open or has been tampered with.

-Avoid homemade treats.

More Blog Entries:

Amusement Ride Dangers at State Fairs, Alabama Injury Attorneys Blog, September 11, 2013
Alabama Child Injury and the Risk of School Sports, Alabama Injury Attorneys Blog, August 15, 2013