Halloween is the scariest night of the year when it comes to accidents. Throw in the current Corona pandemic and the evening is downright terrifying. 

In an effort to protect your little trick-or-treaters we’re sharing four tips to prevent accidents and help you to make the most of Halloween in Central Florida. While this Halloween might be a bit different than in years past, it’s still vital to take all precautions (and then some).

We don’t yet know what the evening will bring. There could be trick-or-treaters by the dozen or just a handful of neighbors walking around to show-off their new costumes; 6 feet apart, of course! Either way, we implore you to practice these safety tips to protect pedestrians (especially children) from accidents this Halloween night. 

1. If Trick-or-Treating is on the Schedule, Take Advantage of Daylight Hours 

Children are at the highest risk of becoming a car accident victim between the hours of 4:00pm and 10:00pm. Attempt to get the necessary trick-or-treating done earlier in the day. Plan to use the evening hours to count your bounty or enjoy a family dinner and spooky film. 

You might also avoid the sugar rush altogether. Maybe plan a visit to a local pumpkin patch, corn maze or haunted drive-in film instead!  

If you plan to stay inside entirely, turn on The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown (or any one of these Halloween inspired movies) and have a pumpkin carving contest with your loved ones. While you’re at it, save those pumpkin innards and whip up something delicious. 

2. See and Be Seen on Halloween

Masks are all the rage this season and Halloween is the perfect time to get even more creative with your face protection. And if you need more encouragement to wear a festive mask this Halloween, according to the CDC, masks can protect against the spread of the coronavirus. [A regular cloth mask: two or more layers of breathable fabric covering the nose and mouth, without gaps around the face].  

Don’t forget, when selecting the perfect costume, make certain your child is still able to see where she or he is walking. You’ll want to make certain that those in costume can also be seen.

Carry flashlights and glow-sticks and try not wear dark clothing that is difficult for drivers to see. 

3. Supervise Your Kids to Avoid Halloween Accidents

Nearly half of all car accidents on Halloween night happen to children between the ages of 7 and 18 years of age. Forty percent of those accidents are among children between the ages of 7 and 12.  

If meandering through dark streets or haunted houses is not ideal, try a haunted drive thru experience instead. Because of the Coronavirus, Central Florida is offering some creative alternatives to your Halloween festivities. 

4. Plan your route ahead of time to Avoid Accidents

Have a plan in mind. If you and the kiddos head out for the trick-or-treat fun, know ahead of time what streets you will visit. Review pedestrian laws and walk on sidewalks, avoiding busy streets. Don’t forget to remind younger children to stop only at well-lit homes and to never enter a stranger’s home. 

While stopping at every home might equate to a bigger pool of candy, children should only pick up individually wrapped candies or gift bags.  

If you are planning to supply the candy to your fellow neighbors, consider placing a candy bowl (or cauldron) at the end of a driveway or yard. This will help in your efforts to practice safe social distancing. Of course, if you’re sick or concerned you might have been exposed to Covid-19, please refrain from handing out candy – your neighbors will understand. 

Looking for some Halloween fun this 2020? Check out the Orlando Weekly list of events for a spooky good time!

Personal injuries sustained on Halloween night are an unfortunate reminder that no matter what spook-tacular time of the year it may be, accidents happen. When you are faced with an injury, no matter the day or time, you have the right to seek fair compensation through legal assistance from a personal injury attorney. Whether it is an accident on Halloween night, or simply on your daily commute to work, you have the right to fight for what you deserve.

It is difficult to expect the unexpected and that’s why C. Todd Smith law is here to provide attentive, compassionate, and personalized legal assistance. With our dedicated and trustworthy representation, we strive to bring you peace of mind. Click here schedule your free case evaluation or call 407.841.8294