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On Halloween, Distracted Driving Gets Worse

On Behalf of | Oct 29, 2018 | Pedestrian Accident

By Pendergast Law on October 29, 2018

Halloween is the perfect time to celebrate all things spooky, but it’s also a time when things can get pretty spooky on the road.

Holidays are an inherently dangerous time for driving, but with Halloween, there’s a lot of extra danger involved — with little feet. With thousands of children trick-or-treating on the roads, and local Halloween parties and parades involving alcohol taking place, car accidents are bound to happen. Terrifyingly enough, children are four times more likely to be hit and killed by vehicles on Halloween than on any other night! This is mainly due to the fact that on Halloween there are many more children walking around than on your typical night, which lends itself to more accidents. There’s also the fact that a lot of neighborhoods aren’t great for walking, especially if they have poor lighting or no sidewalks.

Being injured on Halloween can cause double the stress of a regular accident. With masks and costumes obstructing your view, you might feel like you’re in an actual horror movie. That’s why it’s crucial to remember some basic safety precautions to avoid getting into an accident.

Halloween Tips for Drivers

Driving on Halloween night can be quite stressful. There’s a lot going on, especially in Seattle. Residential streets become overrun with rowdy children who aren’t always easy to spot. As a driver, it’s your responsibility to stay alert to any possible pedestrians in your way.

Here are some tips for making sure you remain safe on the road:

  • Drive carefully. This one is obvious, but Halloween is not the night for being a speed racer. It’s important to pay attention, especially in residential neighborhoods where kids might unexpectedly rush out onto the street.
  • Be careful pulling in and out of driveways where kids might be hiding.
  • Have your headlights on at all times, even if it’s still light outside.
  • Don’t drink and drive. Drunk driving is one of the most common causes for car accidents on Halloween, and the most preventable one. If you’re planning on attending an event or party and drinking, ditch your car and take an Uber or Lyft instead.
  • Avoid distractions. Halloween night is already distracting as it is; don’t add on to it by using texting your family with updates, checking your Instagram, or taking a selfie while driving.

Halloween Tips for Parents

Kids love Halloween, but for parents, it can be an actual nightmare. With so much excitement and sugar in their blood, children can be tough to keep up with during Halloween. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Make sure there is a responsible adult coming along for trick-or-treating.
  • Have a set route to follow. Don’t go to a neighborhood with no sidewalks, bad lighting, or spread-out homes.
  • Make sure your kids are wearing costumes that do not block their vision, so that they know where they’re going and can clearly see what’s around them. If you can, steer clear of loose or dangling costumes, which have a risk of catching on obstacles or causing a trip-and-fall.
  • Go over basic traffic safety rules with your kids, such as looking both ways before crossing the road, and using sidewalks.
  • Try to incorporate reflective material into costumes so that kids are visible at nighttime.

If You Get Into an Accident During Halloween

If you are involved in a car crash during Halloween, remember to keep your head about you and do the following:

  • Remain calm and quickly move out of the street if you are able too. You want to avoid causing any additional accidents.
  • If you need to, call an ambulance.
  • If not, get medical help at your local ER. The sooner the better, because this documents your injuries in case you need to ask for compensation later.
  • Call the police so that you can get an official accident report on file.
  • Gather witness contact information.
  • Collect the driver’s information.
  • Take photos of any damage or injuries.
  • Contact a knowledgeable Seattle pedestrian accident attorney to discuss your case.

Halloween can be a hectic night for even the most careful of drivers. With increased drinking, parties, events, and an avalanche of pedestrians on the road, it’s important to keep safety in mind.

If your child was hurt by a car, Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S., is here to help. If you need to figure out whether you should pursue a claim, call us. We have handled many Seattle accidents involving child victims, and we know how to prove liability and hold at-fault drivers accountable for the damages they cause. We will go to work to get you compensation for the medical bills and your lost wages from dealing with the injury. Contact our law office today at 888-539-9211 for a free consultation and comprehensive case assessment.

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