Make It Spooky, but Make It Safe

Halloween is a festive time of year, filled with spooky costumes, haunted houses, and lots of delicious candy.  As kids and adults prepare for tonight’s Halloween festivities, it is important to exercise additional caution on the roads, in the neighborhoods, and around homes.

Driver Safety

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), pedestrian-auto accidents are more than double on Halloween.

• Avoid distractions of any kind and keep your eyes focused on the road and you surroundings.
• Slow down and be especially alert in residential neighborhoods.

Pedestrian Safety

Pedestrians need to pay attention as much as drivers, not just on the roads.  Trick-or-treaters should

• carry a flashlight or glow stick.
• stay on sidewalks and use crosswalks.
• not cross between parked cars and avoid crossing yards.
• be accompanied by a parent if under 12 years of age.
• travel in small groups.
• only to well-lit houses and remain on porches rather than entering houses.
• trick-or-treat in familiar areas and homes you know.

Homeowner Safety

Homeowners should clear their porch, lawn, and sidewalk and make sure the pathway is well-lit to prevent slip and fall injuries. Make sure the driveway and walkways are cleaned and well-maintained.

• Place jack-o-lanterns away from doorways and landings.
• Consider using battery powered jack-o’-lantern candles rather than real flame.  Candles can be easily knocked over causing a fire and serious injuries and damage to the home.
• Don’t overload electrical outlets with decorations.
• Pets can become frightened on Halloween.  Put pets away to protect them and trick-or-treaters.

Costume Safety

• Wear reflective, flame-retardant clothing.
• Safe footwear is important.  Wear well-fitting, sturdy shoes to avoid trips and falls.
• Make sure costumes fit properly and short enough to prevent tripping and falling.
• Consider face paint instead of masks as to not obstruct vision.

Treat Safety

• Trick-or-treaters should bring treats home before eating so parents can inspect them.
• Homeowners should avoid giving out treats that are a potential choke hazard, such as gum, peanuts, and hard candies.

If you are partaking in tonight’s festivities, whether taking your ghost or goblin door-to-door or handing out treats at home, keep safety in mind, and have fun.

Mark Bello has thirty-six years experience as a trial lawyer and fourteen years as an underwriter and situational analyst in the lawsuit funding industry. He is the owner and founder of Lawsuit Financial Corporation which helps provide cash flow solutions and consulting when necessities of life litigation funding is needed by a plaintiff involved in pending, personal injury, litigation. Bello is a Justice Pac member of the American Association for Justice, Sustaining and Justice Pac member of the Michigan Association for Justice, Member of Public Justice, Public Citizen, the American Bar Association, the State Bar of Michigan and the Injury Board.