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This time of year, Florida families are planning for Halloween fun. Their plans involve dressing up, carving pumpkins, and trick-or-treating with the children. Some families may forgo traditional trick-or-treating in favor of attending organized Halloween costume parties. With all the fun comes the potential for accidents. Experts say that there are 22 percent more fatal crashes on Halloween compared to an average day.

“We at Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. wish everyone a happy and safe 2022 Halloween. Before making final plans for the holiday, we urge parents to be aware of the most common Halloween accidents and how to avoid them,” said Fort Myers Child Injury Attorney Randall Spivey.

The Most Common Halloween Accidents

Traffic Accidents

The most common and usually the most life-threatening accidents during Halloween nights are traffic accidents. Experts say that pedestrians are 50 percent more likely to tragically die on Halloween than on any other night. Some Halloween participants celebrate Halloween by attending costume parties where alcohol is served. When the festivities are over, they drive home. The risk of being involved in a vehicle or pedestrian accident increases when DUI drivers are on the road. Partygoers need to select a designated driver before they attend Halloween parties where alcohol is going to be served.

Safewise.com reports that children are four times more likely to be injured in Halloween car accidents on Halloween night. Young people and adults are also at a much higher risk of being injured in Halloween pedestrian accidents. Safewise recommendations that trick-or-treaters: “Avoid the risk of being involved in a pedestrian accident, look both ways and listen for cars before crossing a road. It would be best never to cross a street unless you are at a designated crosswalk or intersection. Crossing at designated crosswalks and intersections will reduce the likelihood of a pedestrian accident.”

The Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicle Department (FLHSMV) recommends that motorists:

• “Stay alert. Neighborhoods that don’t normally have a lot of pedestrian and bicycle traffic may experience an increase on Halloween night. Trick-or-treaters may suddenly dart into traffic from between parked cars.
• Slow Down. Give children lots of time to cross the street. Their costumes may impair their ability to see and hear you, and to get out of your way quickly.
• Be cautious. Watch for children walking in the street, especially if there are no sidewalks in the neighborhood. Kids will be excited and may forget to “stop, look, and listen” before they cross the street.”

Slip and Falls

Serious slip-and-fall accidents are prevalent on Halloween nights as partygoers bustle around going door-to-door for that special treat. Property owners are responsible for the safety of trick-or-treaters who go on their property. Halloween decorations should not impinge on visitors as they celebrate. If the property has unsafe conditions, the property owner could be held liable for negligence. It is the property owner's responsibility to keep their property well-lit and have accessible walkways for trick-or-treaters.

Flammable Objects

Scary, wild costumes may be exciting to Halloween participants. But not all costumes and accessories are created equal. When selecting the perfect costume, parents should opt for flame-resistant wigs, beards, and fabrics. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) urges parents to select costumes carefully and consider whether they are flame resistant. It is not legal for companies to create costumes that burn rapidly, according to U.S. law. If a child is injured because a company violated the CPSC rules regarding flame-resistant Halloween costumes, the company may be held liable for the child’s injuries.

Seek Legal Assistance from the Fort Myers Child Injury Attorneys

It is in every person’s best interest to make safe Halloween plans. However, even with the best planning, accidents can happen. Other people may make poor choices that can lead to accident injuries. If you or a loved one is injured in an accident because of the negligence of another, you may have options to recover compensation. Fort Myers child injury attorneys can be trusted to answer your questions at a free consultation 24/7. After seeking medical attention, call Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. at 239.337.7483, toll-free at 1.888.477.4839, or online at SpiveyLaw.com.