Halloween Pedestrian Accidents in Atlanta: How Parents Can Protect Young Trick-Or-Treaters
Haunted houses, hayrides, and little hobgoblins roaming city streets are all part of the fun of Halloween. Unfortunately, the holiday can be an actual nightmare for parents when it comes to protecting children.
Pedestrian accidents in Atlanta spike on Halloween, making it the most dangerous night of the year. Our Atlanta pedestrian accident lawyer provides safety tips for parents (and drivers) to help prevent injuries.
Why Halloween Is Dangerous for Children in Atlanta
Discover Atlanta lists a whole host of events happening on Halloween. While adults enjoy Halloween-themed pub crawls, parties, and haunted houses, families can have fun at events such as the Little Five Points Halloween Parade, Scarecrows at The Atlanta Botanical Garden, Trick or Treat at the Children’s Museum, and the annual Boo at the Zoo.
Whether taking children to local attractions or trick-or-treating in your neighborhood, parents need to take precautions. According to SafeKids.org, children are more than twice as likely to suffer pedestrian accident injuries at Halloween than at any other time of year, which can be life-threatening. Factors that increase the risks:
- Low visibility, especially after sunset, when local events and trick-or-treating often occur.
- Costumes can restrict movement and reduce visibility.
- Drivers are often distracted by Halloween decorations, adjusting their outfits, looking at their phones, or talking to passengers.
- Speeding poses risks in local neighborhoods and around events with heavy foot traffic.
- Halloween parties increase the risk of driving under the influence.
Halloween is exciting for children. Unfortunately, this can cause them to dart out between cars, wander off sidewalks, or not look before crossing busy intersections. As a parent, take extra precautions to keep them safe.
How To Reduce The Risk Of Halloween Pedestrian Accidents In Atlanta
When it comes to Halloween safety, the Georgia Department of Public Health encourages parents to follow these tips:
- Choose bright or reflective costumes for children, and add glow sticks or flashlights to improve visibility.
- Go with little ones and hold their hands on busy streets.
- Have older children go out in groups and check in regularly.
- Instruct children of all ages to stay on the sidewalk and use crosswalks at all times.
- Remind them to pay attention and avoid cell phones, headphones, or other distractions.
While parents can help protect their children’s safety on Halloween, reckless drivers are often to blame when accidents happen. As a motorist, go slow in neighborhoods and when approaching events, avoid distractions, and do not get behind the wheel if you have any amount of alcohol or drugs in your system.
When Injuries Happen, Contact Our Experienced Atlanta Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Even when parents take precautions, it only takes one reckless or inattentive driver to cause permanent harm. When Halloween pedestrian accidents in Atlanta happen, Shiver Hamilton Campbell holds those at fault accountable and fights to get you compensation.
We serve families throughout Atlanta, Alpharetta, Savannah, Decatur, Marietta, and all of Fulton, Gwinnett, and DeKalb Counties. If you or someone you love is hurt, contact our experienced Atlanta pedestrian accident lawyer and request a consultation today.
Sources:
discoveratlanta.com/events/seasonal/halloween/
safekids.org/safetytips/field_risks/pedestrian-safety/field_risks/halloween
dph.georgia.gov/press-releases/2022-10-28/treat-yourself-safe-happy-halloween
