With the end of October quickly approaching, there is one thing that sits on the minds of many, and that is Halloween. Halloween is a time for children and their families to transform into someone they idolize or even something creepy and walk through their neighborhoods collecting candy and enjoying each other’s company. With so many trick-or-treaters expected to be out this Halloween, it is important that we don’t forget about the real dangers that lurk on the roadways. Come Monday night, Chicago streets are going to be filled with eager children trick-or-treating, but that isn’t all.
There will still be drunk drivers out on the roads and motorists operating their vehicles while texting on their cellphones. And don’t forget about the careless drivers who simply aren’t watching out for the families who will be out celebrating the holiday. The Chicago personal injury attorneys here at the Dinizulu Law Group remind you to be cautious and careful this Halloween as accidents are more likely to occur.
Why are accidents more likely to occur on Halloween?
- Children are wearing loose-fitting costumes which makes them more prone to tripping. They could fall into the street and possibly in the path of a driver who isn’t paying attention or is unable to stop in time before hitting them.
- Some drivers have a hard time seeing at night and struggle to identify when someone is in the road, especially a small child.
- There is a lot of excitement going on which leads to children becoming distracted and less careful as they trick-or-treat.
- Some parents are drinking and are less likely to supervise their children. This could lead to them wandering over to dimly lit areas that make it more difficult for them to be seen.
Did you know that “Children are more than twice as likely to be killed by a car while walking on Halloween night than at any other time of the year, according to the organization Safe Kids USA” [Source: U.S. News]. That fact alone helps us recognize just how dangerous this one night can be if the right amount of caution is not exercised.
What other hazards should I be aware of?
Drunken and distracted drivers aren’t the only reasons why children suffer from injuries on Halloween. Some other hazards you should be cognizant of include:
- The candy your children receive. Sometimes razor blades and other sharp objects are thrown in with pieces of candy. Also, be aware of any unwrapped candy that is given to your child and be sure they don’t ingest it.
- Unsafe or hazardous premises.
- Glow sticks and other toys that contain harmful substances inside. Children tend to put these in their mouths which cause them to break open.
Because most of the accidents that do occur on Halloween are preventable, it is important that if you or your child becomes injured by a driver or on someone’s poorly maintained property that you get in touch with us immediately. Our Chicago personal injury lawyers can review the details of your case and determine whether someone can be held accountable for causing you to suffer from an injury. The Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd. can be reached at 1-312-384-1920 in the event an unfortunate accident occurs or if you have already sustained an injury caused by a negligent person or business.
