As all of the zombies, ghosts, goblins and mummies head out for some neighborhood trick-or-treating adventures, there’s another scary monster lurking in the dark — child injury in Portland, Maine. It’s true. Halloween is one of the most dangerous times for children to be out and about. Their risks for a pedestrian accident are higher during this time that during any other time of the year.Don’t worry. The South Portland Police Department and our Bangor, Maine, personal injury attorneys are here to share some tips for parents and little monsters to remember while celebrating Halloween.
Parents who are supervising young trick-or-treaters and those who are able to roam the neighborhood alone should always plan their trip before heading door to door. Everyone should plan a route that is safe — one that isn’t along any major roadways, has sidewalks or safe shoulders, is well lighted and has safe crossing areas. Trick-or-treaters of all ages should have a curfew. The later it gets, the more dangers and risks we face for a pedestrian-car accident.
Tips to avoid a pedestrian accident this Halloween:
-Try to you make yourself and your little trick-or-treaters as visible to motorists as possible. You should wear reflective tape on your costume or carry a flashlight.
-Look left and right before and during your trip across a road. Although drivers should be on their best driving behavior, you must take it upon yourself to walk cautiously.
-Never trick-or-treat alone.
-Never go into a stranger’s house or car.
-Suit your child in comfortable shoes and make sure that all costumes are short enough to prevent a trip and fall hazard.
-Do not trick-or-treat at houses with no lights on.
Candy rules:
-Never allow children to snack on candy as their trick-or-treating. Make sure they eat dinner before heading out so they’re less tempted to snack.
-Examine all candy as soon as you get home. Make sure none of the candy has been opened or tampered with. If you see a piece in question, throw it away.
-Consider handing out non-food items like spider rings, bubbles, toothbrushes, etc.
Halloween at home:
-Make sure that all trip hazards are cleared from driveways, sidewalks and front porches.
-Be sure to wipe up any wet surfaces so that trick-or-treaters are less likely to slip and fall.
-Be sure that all lights are on and working proper outside the front of your house.
-Never leave a lighted pumpkin unattended.
We can all have a safe and fun Halloween if we follow these few safety rules. Motorists are urged as always to be cautious in residential areas, especially during dusk on the 31st. Be sure to keep a lookout for monsters on the roadway to prevent a scary car accident. Be safe and have a Happy Halloween!
If you or your child been in an accident in Maine on Halloween, contact the Portland personal injury lawyers and wrongful death attorneys at Peter Thompson & Associates for a consultation to discuss your rights. Call 1-800-804-2004.