Our Chicago injury lawyers urge you to stay safe during Halloween week, which historically has been among the nation’s most dangerous for car accidents and other types of injury mishaps.
Authorities will be looking for drunk drivers during a nationwide “Over the Limit. Under Arrest” campaign from Oct. 25-31. In the past 10 years, drunk drivers have caused more than half of the nearly 5,000 traffic fatalities during the week of Halloween, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. And, while nighttime is always a dangerous time to be on the road, Halloween night is frequently one of the year’s deadliest.Children, teenagers and adults are also at high risk of being injured in a Chicago pedestrian accident or premises liability claim involving anything from a slip and fall accident to a dog bite.
The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons reports that Halloween is among the holidays with the highest number of emergency room visits. Finger and hand injuries are the most common, while the most likely to be injured are those ages 10 to 14.
The following safety tips may help you and your family stay safe this Halloween:
-Use knives specifically designed for pumpkin carving — not kitchen knives. And never let a child carve pumpkins.
-Be mindful of fire hazards when lighting jack-o-lanterns. Use non-flammable light sources, such as glow sticks.
-Keep Halloween costumes light and bright so children are easily seen by motorists and other pedestrians. Use reflective tape for even better visibility.
-Costumes should fit properly and be flame resistant. Be sure masks, hats and face paint do not obstruct vision. Costumes may present a trip hazard if they are too long and should be trimmed appropriately.
-Trick-or-treaters should only approach houses that are well lit. Children and parents should carry flashlights.
-Be aware of dogs.
-Carry a cell phone in case of emergencies.
The Chicago personal injury and wrongful death law firm of Abels & Annes offers free consultations to families dealing with a serious or fatal accident in the Chicago area. Call (866) 99-ABELS. There is no attorney’s fee unless a recovery is made.