Halloween Safety Tips to Avoid a Motor Vehicle Accident

Halloween is fast approaching and both children and adults are looking forward to celebrating this fun and spooky holiday. While hitting the town in costume, visiting haunted houses, or going to a party are all great ways for grown-ups to get into the spirit of things, it is crucial for everyone to remember to stay safe. If you plan on partying and having some drinks, it is important to have someone sober do the driving or to use a ridesharing service. Given the number of children roaming the streets to trick-or-treat, the risk of a devastating pedestrian accident is high, so do your part to keep yourself and others safe.

Below is a list of some safety tips that can help you avoid a motor vehicle accident or an accident involving a pedestrian on Halloween:

Obey the rules of the road: This should be obvious, but sometimes drivers get a little lax about the rules and drive recklessly, ignoring traffic signals, stop signs, and posted speed limits. It goes without saying that everyone should always obey the rules of the road, but the stakes are also much higher on Halloween night when anyone in a dark costume could be walking along the road and venture into the street. Make sure you drive a bit slower than usual to allow yourself extra time to react to the unexpected.

Avoid distractions: Whether you are a pedestrian or a driver, avoiding distractions can be a major lifesaver. If you are behind the wheel, avoid using any kind of electronic device, including a GPS. Anything that requires you to take your eyes off the road or divide your attention puts you and others at risk, so make sure you always remain focused on the road. If you are a pedestrian, keep your head up and avoid earing earbuds, so you can hear car horns or sirens.

Drive sober: It is estimated that a third of all fatal motor vehicle accidents on Halloween involve a drunk driver. This does not mean you need to hold off on drinking, but if you do plan on consuming alcohol, plan for a safe way to get home, whether that be a designated sober driver, ridesharing, or walking home if you are close enough and the area is safe. Driving home drunk should never be an option.

Look out for your friends: Even if you do everything right on Halloween, you should help your friends by making sure they do not do something that could harm themselves or others. For example, if you are hosting a Halloween party, try to serve plenty of food and offer non-alcoholic beverages as an option. If anyone ends up having too much to drink, either offer them the option of staying the night, or help them find another way home.

Be extra cautious around children: Children are most at risk for pedestrian accidents on Halloween, so parents must be vigilant and ensure they are aware of all traffic safety rules. Additionally, you should never allow children under the age of 12 to go out unsupervised.

Personal Injury Attorney in Nassau County

If you were injured in a motor vehicle accident that was caused by a negligent driver, you are likely going through a difficult time as you try to recover. You should not have to pay for someone else’s mistakes. At the Law Offices of Charles R. Gueli, our personal injury attorney in Nassau County is backed by more than 20 years of legal experience and a proven track record of success. Let us fight on your behalf to ensure you obtain the compensation you deserve.

Get started on your personal injury case today and reach out to our law firm at (516) 628-6402 to request a free initial case evaluation.