Halloween is meant to serve as a celebration filled with costumes and candy, but despite all the excitement about trick-or-treating for kids and parties for adults, it’s reportedly one of the accident-prone holidays of the year.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Halloween is meant to serve as a celebration filled with costumes and candy, but despite all the excitement about trick-or-treating for kids and parties for adults, it’s reportedly one of the accident-prone holidays of the year.
Personal injury experts from Ladah Law Firm in Las Vegas, and Gruber Law in Milwaukee shared examples of common Halloween mishaps and tips on how to avoid them so you can safely enjoy all the spooky festivities.
Pedestrian crashes
Between the increased pedestrian activity, some poor visibility, and tendencies of kids to cross streets without paying attention, children are more than twice as likely to be hit and killed by a vehicle on Halloween than any other day of the year, according to nonprofit Safe Kids Worldwide.
Adults are encouraged to be extra cautious, especially during peak trick-or-treating hours.
For example, motorists should drive slowly, keep headlights on, and remain alert in residential areas to avoid hitting costumed kids.
Meanwhile, parents should join children under 12 for trick-or-treating; make sure they have glow sticks, flashlights, or reflective material on costumes or bags so they’re more visible; create a planned trick-or-treating route and stick to it; and remind them to cross the street at corners or crosswalks.
Pumpkin carving problems
Pumpkin carving is a fun tradition but also a common source of Halloween-related injuries, including lacerations and deep cuts, whether from improper tools or lack of caution.
Here are some tips for avoiding serious carving injuries:
Use tools specifically designed for pumpkin carving.
If you decide to use your own kitchen knives, opt for a serrated blade since it’s less likely to get stuck in the pumpkin than a sharp knife.
Let children design and draw on the pumpkins, but leave the carving to adults.
Carve on a clean, dry, and well-lit surface.
Costume complications
One of the best parts about Halloween — especially for kids — is dressing up in fun and/or spooky costumes. However, in addition to looking good, your costume should be practical for the type of activity you plan on doing, especially if that activity involves walking around for trick-or-treating.
Long costumes that drag along the ground, masks that block your vision, and poorly-lit pathways contribute to the risks of frequent Halloween injuries, including broken bones, sprains, and concussions. Walking in unfamiliar areas also increases the likelihood of tripping over decorations or uneven sidewalks.
To avoid these injuries, make sure your costumes are safe, which includes being flame-resistant and not posing a trip hazard. If you can’t find masks with a good level of visibility, opt for makeup or face paint, providing you perform a patch test first to check for any allergic reactions or buy hypoallergenic products from the get-go. Lastly, stick to well-lit routes.
In addition to the more common injuries previously discussed, certain accessories — such as decorative contact lenses or sharp props — could lead to corneal abrasions and infections. Non-prescription colored contact lenses are not only illegal in the U.S., but they also increase the risk of eye infections, so always opt for prescription lenses. Furthermore, sharp accessories like swords or sticks can endanger more than just your eyes if they’re mishandled, so either use them with caution or choose a non-pointy prop.
Candy catastrophes
Aside from dressing up, candy is another huge part of Halloween festivities, but these sugary sweets also pose the risk of allergic reactions and choking.
For those hoping to take home an impressive candy haul on Oct. 31, you should follow this advice:
Some Halloween treats contain allergens like peanuts, dairy, or gluten, which may cause anaphylaxis or skin rashes. If you or someone you’re with on Halloween has allergies, make sure everyone in your group is aware, as well as the people giving out the candy.
Try to avoid eating your sugary sweets until you get home and check your haul to see if anything is tampered with or unsafe for you to eat.
If you do eat while you’re out, do so when you’re stationary to minimize the choking risk. Also, do it in a well-lit area so you can see what you’re eating.
Potentially dangerous decorations
Burns from candles and fire-related accidents are typical around Halloween. After all, Jack-o’-lanterns and decorative candles can pose fire hazards, especially with flammable costumes.
Using LED candles and flame-resistant costumes can significantly reduce the risk of burn injuries. However, if you can’t find a flame-resistant costume, just try to avoid open flames.
“Halloween is one of the most exciting nights of the year, but it’s also one of the most dangerous. There are many hidden risks that people frequently overlook,” said Steven Gruber of Gruber Law. “After examining the most common injuries people experience, these tips are designed to keep you and your loved ones free from harm this holiday. Keeping Halloween safe doesn’t have to spoil the fun; it’s about making small, smart choices that protect everyone while still enjoying the magic of the night.”
While these aren’t exactly causes of common Halloween injuries, here are two more safety tips for the holiday:
Restrain pets, regardless of whether you believe they’re friendly.
Remind your children of “stranger danger,” telling them they should never enter a home or vehicle with someone they don’t know, even if they offer candy as an enticement.
…Read More