Pedestrians On Halloween

Be as predictable as possible to make it easier for drivers to see pedestrians on Halloween. Stay on sidewalks when available and if there is no sidewalk, walk facing oncoming traffic and as far from traffic as possible. Follow the rules of the road and obey signs and signals. Watch for cars entering or exiting driveways or backing up in parking lots. Stay aware of your surroundings and do not be distracted by electronic devices.

Never assume a driver sees pedestrians, especially if you’re wearing a Halloween costume or a mask. Always make eye contact with drivers as they approach and confirm it’s okay before crossing in front of a vehicle. Be visible at all times by wearing bright clothing during the day and reflective materials at night. Always use a flashlight when it’s dark out to help you see and help others see you.

When possible, cross streets at crosswalks or intersections where drivers expect Halloween pedestrians. Look for cars in all directions, including turning vehicles. If a crosswalk or intersection is not available, locate a well-lit area where you have the best view of traffic. Wait for a gap in traffic allowing you enough time to cross the street safely and continue watching for traffic as you cross.

Never Drink Alcohol To Stay Warm

Avoid using alcohol and drugs when walking as a Halloween pedestrian. Both impair your abilities and judgment. While alcohol may seem to create a sensation of warmth, it actually decreases core body temperature regardless of the temperature outside, increasing the risk of hypothermia. Have a great time celebrating this Halloween and get home safely!

Johnson Law asks Alaskans to be safe Halloween pedestrians. We have been serving Alaska injury victims for 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do. ~ Doug Johnson

Information Sources: National Safety Council; New York Times

Photo Source: Visit Anchorage, Alaska

Before participating in Halloween events and activities, take time to review safety tips with your children and prepare them for potential risks. Remind kids they must watch for cars and be seen by drivers, to be wary of strangers, and to wait until they get home to eat treats. Stay safe and use caution when celebrating Halloween.

Costume And Makeup Safety Checks

Costume safety is a critical component to Halloween Safety Month. Check the ingredients of Halloween makeup and ensure it’s nontoxic. Keep makeup away from directly coming into contact with a child’s eyes, mouth, and nose. Test makeup on a small area of skin to ensure it doesn’t cause an irritation or allergic reaction. Be sure to thoroughly wash off all costume makeup before going to bed.

Look over costumes for loose strings, tears, and fasteners. Check the materials used to make costumes, wigs, and accessories and confirm they are fire-resistant. Despite marketing, some costumes may be dangerous or require modifications to be safe for children. Increase Halloween Safety and try on costumes to ensure they fit well and aren’t hazardous before going trick-or-treating.

Halloween Safety Tips

If you or your children are trick-or-treating, carry flashlights and wear reflective clothing. Increase Halloween safety even more – add reflective tape to costumes – ensuring others easily see children walking along dark or poorly lit roadways. Another option: instead of carrying a flashlight, tie glowsticks for children to treat bags and buckets. The best way to avoid being hit by a car? Stay visible to drivers.

Plan your children’s trick-or-treating route ahead of time and ensure all parents and children are familiar with where they’ll be walking. An adult should accompany young children along their trick-or-treating route to provide additional security. Remind children to stick together and not break into smaller groups. Walk along well-lit areas and avoid neighborhoods that don’t have streetlamps.

If your children are older and going without adult supervision, remind them to be wary of strangers. Teach your children to never enter a stranger’s home, even on Halloween. The distraction of scary decorations and possible Halloween activities can be alluring, but it’s always best to keep safety and security in mind.

If the weather is particularly chilly, bring gloves, mittens, or pocket-sized hand warmers along. Remember to wash your gloves or mittens after you get back home. Smaller children may need to take a break to warm up, rest, and rehydrate before continuing to trick-or-treat. Halloween safety includes scheduling stops along your route to avoid fatigue and be mindful of cold hands or feet.

Always Check Treats

Checking treats and throwing away contaminated or spoiled candy is key to added security. Discolored, torn, soiled, or loose wrappers are common indicators that the candy should be thrown out. Although it is unlikely to find harmful items or spoiled treats, parents should always check candy before allowing children to enjoy their haul.

Johnson Law has been serving Alaska injury victims for 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do. ~ Doug Johnson

Source: National Safety Counsel; and National Day Calendar

Image Source: Visit Anchorage