Avoiding Injuries and Death On Halloween
Ghosts, goblins, and fun exist on Halloween in Chester County. With a higher-than-average population of children five years of age and older, plus a higher population of those in their teen years, Chester County celebrates Halloween in many ways.
The statistics compiled were by the US Census Bureau in 2022. The Census is only done every ten years, so this article is driven by the latest figures. This is meaningful as, overall, across the United States, accidents involving children and youngsters rise dramatically during Halloween.
The death rate for children and youth is the highest during Halloween. More so than other bigger holidays than Christmas, New Year, or Easter. This is because many activities during Halloween involve going door to door or during indoor parties. These can be either private or school-related.
More surprisingly, according to data from the NSC (National Safety Council), vehicle and pedestrian deaths and injuries occur more on a Friday night of festivities. Saturdays show the least amount of deaths and injuries, while weekdays are what can only be called “mid-danger” zones.
There are many ways to unwittingly sustain an injury or even die during the Halloween festivities, unfortunately, and many individuals are not aware of this fact. Not knowing the facts leads to the injuries and deaths.
How to Avoid Injuries and Death on Halloween
Being unaware of circumstances does lead to many of the injuries and deaths on Halloween, not only for children but for parents and other adults. With that in mind, these helpful reminders can prevent tragedy.
Avoid allowing children to go door-to-door.
Of course, children and even teens love this, and it still does occur in some locations in PA and Chester County. However, slips and falls occur more routinely when masses of children and youths are swarming porches and climbing stairs.
There are plenty of outside “in front of a home” candy drops now in buckets to avoid this. Wise property owners provide these.
- Never allow children or youth to go out unsupervised.
This probably should not need to be said, but teens can find parental oversight embarrassing. Nonetheless, the world is now a more dangerous place than years ago, and caution with supervision is needed.
- Be aware of all traffic and pedestrians.
The reality is that many children and youth are driven around by parents and caregivers when making the rounds of Halloween Trick or Treat.
This does lead, unfortunately, to traffic congestion and frenzied roadway behaviors. This causes injuries to not only the Trick or Treaters but also the parents. According to insurance aggregates for the past decade, 22 percent of injurious vehicle accidents occur on Halloween.
This is partially due to the pedestrian traffic, but also drinking and driving, and of course, adult parties, which may also occur on the same day as children’s Trick or Treat nights.
Parents and party-goers can and do speed from one location to another, which leads to collisions, especially at higher speeds. Tempers also can flair as anyone knows who has gone out on Halloween.
- Bright and reflective costumes are needed.
While everyone who is celebrating Halloween wants to be clever, it is wise to use common sense in costumes. Showing oneself with reflectors is advised. It is also wise to choose a costume either for an adult or child that does not obscure vision in any way.
Any costume that eliminates clear vision should be avoided, whether driving or walking.
- Go out as early as possible.
It is darker in Chester County during Halloween as the timezone is EST. This should be taken into consideration, and festivities that end earlier lead to less danger.
This applies to both walking and driving activities. Crowding of sidewalks and roadways builds up as the night goes on.
- Be aware of stray or loose animals.
Many who engage in festivities do dress up their animals and take them along. However, animals must be on a leash throughout the process, even if on one’s own porch.
Dog bites can occur, and a frightened dog who is exposed to strangers in costume reacts in fear aggression and fear biting.
- Check all candy or goodies.
While this is sad to admit, it has been true for decades that parents must check all candy and goodies before children indulge in consuming them.
Cases abound of razor blades and other malicious entities, such as medication being found inserted into treats for children. This is not a new phenomenon but one many parents can find difficult to enforce as children like to dig in quickly.
Even teens can rip open a snack quickly and devour it, so again, this ties into parental oversight of the entire Halloween experience.
Summary—Chester County Halloween—Avoiding Injuries and Death
Halloween, or All Hallowed Eve, as it is celebrated by some religions, is a great adventure for most participants. It does require precautionary measures for safety and structure, however.
While not every slip and fall or vehicular accident will be severe enough to warrant a negligence case, many can, and the law firm of Christian J. Hoey, ESQ, should be contacted if a serious injury or death does occur.
Time is of the essence when facing a serious injury or death while enjoying Halloween festivities. Mr. Hoey and his “Crackjack ™ Team” of professionals offers a free evaluation of each case.
Simply use the online form, email, or call 610-647-5151 or 1-888-GOHOEY1.
BOO, and Happy Halloween from Hoey Legal of Paoli, PA!