For kids and adults, Halloween can be one of the most fun nights of the year. Kids love dressing up and going trick-or-treating. And while all that candy might not be the healthiest holiday tradition, kids of all ages love free candy and goodies.

But accidents can happen anytime, and Halloween can be especially dangerous. Trick-or-treating often takes place at night when visibility is low. Further, Halloween parties and other gatherings can lead to more drunk drivers on the roads. Safety should always come first, so be mindful of these types of personal injury accidents that can be more prevalent on Halloween.

Pedestrian Accidents

In many areas and neighborhoods, more pedestrians are out on Halloween night, including lots of children and families trick-or-treating. Even though trick-or-treaters tend to stick to neighborhoods on less busy roads, it’s important to use extra caution while driving on Halloween.

Even low-speed pedestrian-vehicle accidents can be very harmful. Plus, many costumes aren’t very bright or visible, making dressed-up trick-or-treaters harder to spot. Children and even adults can be understandably excited on Halloween, and many hope to cover as many houses as possible while out trick-or-treating. But use caution when near roadways and walking from house to house. Also, don’t forget to check driveways for cars going in or out when approaching houses. For extra safety:

• Accompany young children around the neighborhood
• Put reflective gear or glow-in-the-dark features over children’s costumes
• Cross streets only at intersections and when no cars are present

Slip and Fall Injuries

Halloween activities can pose fall hazards. Traveling from house to house on foot in the dark can open up trick-or-treaters’ risk of slip-and-fall accidents. Walking in the dark already increases this risk, and if someone’s property or sidewalk areas aren’t well lit, accidents can happen. Further, some costumes contain hanging robes, garments, and other fabrics and accessories that could pose trip hazards for you and others.

Be careful when walking in dimly lit areas around people’s homes. Houses with lots of Halloween decorations could also pose tripping hazards. If you’re injured as a result of a trip-and-fall accident on someone else’s property, the property owner could be responsible for your injury costs. Still, you should use caution by:

• Avoiding dimly lit areas and walking with extra caution when you must pass through
• Spreading out and allowing some space when walking in groups
• Staying on sidewalks, walkways, and paths to people’s homes and doorsteps. Avoid walking through yards and other areas not intended for pedestrians and visitors

Drunk Driving and Distracted Driving Accidents

While children enjoy trick-or-treating, Halloween parties are plenty of fun for adults. But any partygoer has to be responsible when it comes to drinking. On Halloween or any other time of the year, drinking and driving don’t mix. Halloween parties aren’t limited to the night of Halloween, of course, so drivers should be especially cautious around this time of the year.

Drivers attending a party might not know the neighborhood well. And if trick-or-treaters are out, extra caution is essential. Intoxicated drivers and distracted drivers are especially dangerous to trick-or-treaters. While trick-or-treaters and pedestrians should use caution around all vehicles, drivers must:

• Consume alcohol responsibly and refrain from drinking and driving
• Reduce speeds when trick-or-treaters are present
• While driving, avoid texting and other distractions

Injured on Halloween? Call the Personal Injury Attorneys at Poynter & Bucheri

We hope that all trick-or-treaters, parents, and partygoers are sensible and safe on Halloween. However, the night of Halloween and the Halloween season can pose particular dangers and increase the likelihood of suffering a personal injury.

If you’ve been hurt in an accident that resulted from someone’s negligence, a personal injury attorney at Poynter & Bucheri may be able to obtain compensation for you. Safety matters and a fun holiday is no excuse for recklessness or for overlooking keeping yourself and others safe.

If you’ve been injured, call the personal injury lawyers at Poynter & Bucheri at 1-800-265-9881 or contact us online. We can provide a free consultation to learn more about your case and how we can recover damages for your injury case.