Halloween Hazards-Pedestrian Incidents and Drunk Drivers

Common Injuries Over Halloween

While Halloween is supposed to be scary and creepy, it is not supposed to be dangerous. Most parents worry about the sicko that taints trick-or-treater’s candy, but the greater dangers include to pedestrian accidents with vehicles and drunk drivers.

Pedestrian Incidents

Halloween is the biggest night for pedestrian incidents involving little people. An analysis of U.S. data showed that 115 pedestrians under 18 were killed on October 31 over a 21 year period of time from 1990-2010 which is an average of 5.5 deaths on each Halloween compared to 2.6 on other days. Thus, confirming that Halloween is the deadliest day of the year for young pedestrians.

Older children between 12 and 18 years of age represented the largest number of fatalities. Older children tend to have less parental supervision. Studies have found that 12 percent of children ages 5 and under trick-or-treat alone. Solo-going tweens need extra reminders to put away their cellphone, stop texting and taking pictures and keep their eyes on their paths.

The deadliest time is between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. and 60 percent of the fatal incidents occurred from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and only 30 percent of the incidents occurred at intersections and crosswalks. Meaning, all pedestrians should absolutely use sidewalks and crosswalks for better visibility for car drivers.

Drunk Drivers and Other Drivers

As Halloween has become more of an adult activity, it has also become a major drinking holiday. This is problematic for other drivers and pedestrians. The share of fatal crashes involving drunken driver rises from the usual 30% to nearly 50% on Halloween, and about 20% of the pedestrian deaths on Halloween involve a drunk driver.

So, like every other holiday that involves alcohol, you have to plan for safe transportation to and from your party just as you would for NYE and Fourth of July. Going to your adult parties, have a sober driver who is aware Halloween foot traffic. Drive slowly through residential areas in the evening hours and look for pedestrians on the side of the roadway and crosswalks.

Keep Halloween Frightful but Not Harmful

If you have been injured in a pedestrian incident or a motor vehicle collision and have sustained injuries, you will need legal representation. Injured persons need to pursue compensation in the way of medical bills, lost wages and other damages. However, pursuing a personal injury claim on your own is not recommended. According to insurance company studies, insurance companies offer represented individuals more than they do unrepresented individuals.

Our attorneys are available seven days a week for a free, confidential consultation.

Call us toll free at (314) 276-1681