More child pedestrians are killed in October than in any other month.
A Safe Halloween for Everyone: Child Pedestrian Safety Tips for Trick-or-Treaters in 2024
The countdown has begun: Halloween is almost here, and kids across Texas are brimming with excitement to show off costumes for a fun night of trick-or-treating.
Unfortunately, this time of year is overshadowed by tragedy for many families. More child pedestrians are killed on October 31st than any other day, with the national average deaths increasing by as much as 43% by most estimates. This should not be — children do not have to die on Halloween.
As a parent, you can’t control the actions of stupid or careless drivers, but you can teach your children how to stay safe. The following is a compilation of top safety tips for kids while trick-or-treating and what to do if your child is injured in a pedestrian accident this year. At Carabin Shaw, we hope you have a safe spooky season, but we stand ready to assist you if the worst happens.
Did You Know?
Two times as many child pedestrians are killed on Halloween than on any other day of the year.
Child Pedestrian Safety Tips
There are many simple and easy changes you can make to your trick-or-treating routine to keep your children safe from pedestrian accidents.
Safe Costumes
Your child’s costume can increase their risk of an accident. To prevent common hazards caused by costumes, make sure your child’s costume:
- Is Bright — Include glowsticks, lights, or reflective tape to maximize visibility. Light-up shoes are another great option that kids enjoy.
- Fits Properly — Costumes that are too long are a tripping hazard and can cause your child to fall into the street.
- Doesn’t Cover the Face — Obstructed vision can limit your child’s ability to see cars coming, increasing their risk. Consider face paint over masks when possible.
Safe Walking
Children younger than 12 should be accompanied by an adult, as they are the most at-risk for a pedestrian accident. Teach unaccompanied children the following safe walking tips:
- Cross at crosswalks or street corners only,
- Look both ways before crossing,
- Never cross in between parked vehicles,
- Make eye contact with drivers to ensure they see you,
- Put your phone away when walking,
- Take out earbuds when walking,
- And watch for cars pulling out of driveways.
Preparing in advance and equipping your children with the proper skills will greatly reduce their risk of an accident. However, you can do everything right and still be injured in an accident with a careless driver.
What to Do If Your Child is Injured in a Pedestrian Accident
If your child is hit by a reckless driver this Halloween, follow these steps:
- Call 9-1-1 — Immediately seek medical attention for your child.
- Document the Scene — Take photos and/or video of the scene, as well as any visible injuries and damage to the vehicle.
- Exchange Information — Get the contact information of the driver, in addition to noting the make and model of the vehicle and license plate number.
- Report the Accident to Insurance — This should be done after seeking medical attention and talking to the police, but as soon as possible.
- Call Shaw.
Carabin Shaw has represented child pedestrian cases across Texas for over 31 years. We know that you’re devastated, angry, and struggling with guilt after seeing your child be injured, and we’re here to help.
Child Hit by a Careless Driver in San Antonio? Call Shaw.
If your child was hit by a car while trick-or-treating, you may be entitled to compensation for things like:
- Ambulance Costs,
- ER Treatment,
- Surgeries,
- Pain and Suffering,
- Trauma/PTSD,
- Disfigurement,
- Disability,
- Wrongful Death,
- And More.
We’ll help you find out if you have a case for free.
Call Shaw for immediate help at 800-862-1260 today. Schedule your appointment with a Carabin Shaw lawyer at no cost and get the answers you need with no obligation to hire the firm. Our main office is in San Antonio, and we represent cases across Texas. Carabin Shaw puts their clients first.
We look forward to serving you.