El Paso Drivers Can Prevent Deadly Pedestrian Accidents On Halloween

Motorists who are out on Halloween night need to be aware there is a greater chance of being involved in a car accident. Halloween is a time when thousands of children go trick-or-treating, sometimes without parental supervision. Drivers are expected to exercise reasonable care at all times as they encounter these young children on the road.

If drivers know about the dangers of kids on Halloween and use extra precaution to try to prevent accidents with pedestrians, lives could be saved and serious injuries prevented.

How Can El Paso Drivers Help Prevent Deadly Pedestrian Car Accidents on Halloween?

Understanding car accident risks is the first step towards mitigating those risks. Drivers who plan to be on the road on Halloween night should be aware of data showing the car accident pedestrian death rate for children doubles. According to Indiana University, twice as many kids are struck by cars and killed on Halloween as compared with on any other days of the year.

Many of these children lose their lives because they are hit in the middle of the road. Republican Herald reports 70 percent of pedestrian crashes resulting in the death of children on Halloween end up happening away from crosswalks or intersections. Kids can dart out in between cars in a second, stepping into the path of an oncoming car.

High-Risk Times on Halloween Night

Drivers should also be aware of the specific times at which the risk is highest for children. The death rate for pedestrian crashes involving children is the highest between 4:00 PM and 10:00 PM on Halloween night. This is the time the greatest number of children are going to be out trick-or-treating.

By knowing when kids are likely to be on the road, drivers can try to stay out of residential areas where children are most likely to be trick-or-treating. Drivers who do travel through residential locations should be sure they go slowly at all times so they can better spot children and so their momentum will be reduced so it won’t take as long to stop if they hit the brakes when a child runs into their path. If the driver is going slow and hits a child, the child is also much more likely to survive the accident than if the driver is traveling faster.

Steps El Paso Drivers Can Take to Reduce Halloween Pedestrian Risks

Halloween night presents unique dangers, and every driver should understand the elevated risk of pedestrian accidents during this time. Here are some ways to help ensure everyone stays safe:

1. Slow Down in Residential Areas
   Reducing your speed can improve reaction time and make it easier to stop if a child runs into the street unexpectedly. Lower speeds can significantly reduce the severity of any potential impact, minimizing injuries.
2. Turn on Your Headlights Early
   Turning on your headlights before it’s fully dark can help you spot pedestrians who may not be easily visible, especially children wearing dark costumes. Better visibility means a safer environment for everyone.
3. Stay Off Your Phone and Minimize Distractions
   Distracted driving is especially dangerous on Halloween when pedestrian activity is high. Keep all attention on the road, and avoid any distractions inside your vehicle, such as texting or adjusting your radio.

Additional Halloween Safety Tips

Safe Kids also has some other tips for drivers who plan to be in their vehicles on Halloween night. Drivers are urged to turn their headlights on earlier in the night than they otherwise would do, because the headlights will make it easier for them to see children who are out.

Drivers should anticipate not just heavier traffic, but also that children may do something unpredictable like running into the roads. They should be aware children may have masks which limit visibility and should not always assume a child has seen a car coming. Finally, drivers need to be certain to avoid using their cell phone or paying attention to any other distractions in the car which could cause them not to see a child until it is too late to stop.

Halloween Safety for Parents and Trick-or-Treaters

While drivers play a huge role in pedestrian safety, parents and guardians can also take proactive steps to keep kids safe, such as:

• Adding Reflective Tape to Costumes: This helps children stay visible, especially in dimly lit areas.
• Using Face Paint Instead of Masks: Masks can obstruct vision, so face paint can be a safer alternative for trick-or-treaters.

Michael J. Gopin, PLLC: Your Advocate in Pedestrian Accident Cases

If an unfortunate accident does happen, and you or a loved one is injured, The Law Offices of Michael J. Gopin, PLLC, can provide the support you need. Our firm has experience handling car accident and pedestrian accident cases, and we are here to help you pursue justice and fair compensation for your injuries.

Contact us today at (915)-333-3333 for a free consultation and let us help you understand your legal options. Together, we can help you seek the compensation you deserve.

Drive Safely This Halloween

By following these guidelines and being mindful of your surroundings, you can help prevent accidents and keep Halloween night safe for everyone. Remember: Drive slowly, stay alert, and be cautious—especially around children who may not be able to protect themselves.

Michael J. Gopin

Michael J. Gopin has practiced law in El Paso since 1987. Even after more than 30 years, he still remembers his first jury case. It was two weeks after receiving his license, when he represented a person whose life had been forever changed after being blinded in a work-related incident...