Halloween is fast approaching, and with it the tradition of trick-or-treating. Many kids did not get to go last year due to the coronavirus pandemic, so there is sure to be a massive turnout this year.

Unfortunately, the combination of kids walking around at night, masks that (partially) obscure vision, dark-colored costumes, and residential streets without sidewalks has led to a horrific statistic: Kids are more than twice as likely to be hit and killed by vehicles on Halloween than on any other day of the year.

Trick-of-Treat Tips for Kids and Parents

This is a horrible statistic, but there are plenty of ways that you and your children can have a safe and fun Halloween. Here are a couple trick-or-treating safety tips:

• Adults should accompany younger kids on their trick-or-treating adventure.
• Consider non-toxic makeup over large masks that can obscure vision.
• Remind kids who go out alone to use sidewalks and to cross streets at crosswalks.
• Urge kids who go out alone to be extra attentive for cars turning or backing up.
• Attach reflective tape or glowsticks to your kid’s costume to increase their visibility.
• Advise children to minimize distractions by putting away phones and not wearing headphones.

Halloween Tips for Drivers

Similarly, drivers who plan to be out on Halloween should take extra care to prevent these accidents:

• Do not drive drunk, impaired, or tired (always sound advice, not just on Halloween).
• Do not text and drive (likewise, a year-round practice).
• Advise younger, new, or inexperienced drivers to not drive on Halloween.
• Watch for kids walking on roads, medians, bike lanes, and curbs.
• Scan carefully for children in dark-colored costumes.
• Be extra cautious when turning corners or entering or exiting driveways and parking lots.

Avoid Pedestrian Accidents and Fatalities

We should all work together to make Florida roads safer, especially when our children’s safety is at stake.

Unfortunately, for three years running Florida was named the #1 deadliest state in the country for pedestrians. In 2019, 5,893 pedestrians were killed in Florida—over 1,600 just in South Florida. While we cannot change the fact that many residential streets in South Florida do not have sidewalks, we can change our behavior.

Children, teens, adults, and seniors are all at risk of being injured or killed by a negligent driver. We sincerely hope that you and your family stay safe this Halloween, but if you are injured by a negligent driver, we can help you get the justice and compensation that you deserve.