Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyer Report : The Hazards of Trick or Treating at Halloween

Trick-or-treating may seem like great fun over Halloween but a good night out can easily turn tragic if basic safety procedures are not observed.

Data from a number of states suggest pedestrian accidents increase by 25 percent over Halloween. It’s a figure that alarms me as a Norfolk personal injury attorney.

2012 could be a particularly dangerous year for kids because it falls on a weekend when there may be more vehicles on the road, not to mention more drunk drivers.

The insurance company Allstate says pedestrians need to be aware of their surroundings. They should not text while they walk because it’s a distraction. It may not be an offense like it is to text and drive in Virginia, but you could end up in ER if you walk into a utility pole, trip on a sidewalk or get hit crossing a road.

Children who are trick-or-treating stay on sidewalks, and wear bright, reflective clothing. It’s important for trick-or-treaters to travel in small groups and be accompanied by an adult. They should cross the road on crosswalks wherever possible.

Drivers should also exercise care over Halloween. They should watch for kids and groups emerging from sidewalks. There are a number of other potential dangers on Halloween. Many could lead to a personal injury claim or a lawsuit. If you are trick or treating you should.

• Examine all candy for potential choking hazards
• Beware of going into yards with dangerous dogs
• Hold a flashlight for others to see
• Walk don’t run between homes
• Stay on paths. Yards may contain hazards
• Be careful crossing the street. Use crosswalks where possible.

As Norfolk and Virginia Beach pedestrian injury lawyers we wish you happy trick-or-treating.