All Fun, No Frights

Whether you’re chaperoning an excited pack of trick-or-treaters or choosing the perfect pumpkin at the patch, Halloween is a magical time for most families. But after weeks of costume planning, pumpkin carving and decorating, your evening can quickly become a nightmare – far more terrifying than any horror film.

Over 41 million trick-or-treaters1 pounded the pavement last year in search of sweets, blissfully unaware that children are twice as likely to be killed in traffic accidents on Halloween.2 Between poor supervision, unsafe treats and distracted driving, there are many hazards that can make your holiday unforgettable for all the wrong reasons. In an instant.

With deep roots in the Lowcountry, West Law Firm is committed to keeping our community safe. And as parents ourselves, we believe that protecting the children of Berkeley County – and the entire state of South Carolina – must be top priority.

West Law Firm has compiled some helpful tips to keep your family safe this Halloween:

On the Candy Hunt

  • Dress smart – Make sure costumes fit well and don’t include vision-obstructing masks or potentially hazardous props (swords, spears, etc). Store-bought costumes should be labeled “flame resistant.”
  • Stick to the sidewalk – Teach children the importance of staying out of the street, especially if they’re heading out on their own. Instruct them to use crosswalks when possible and to carefully look both ways before stepping into the street.
  • Increase visibility – Reflective tape (on costumes or treat bags) and glow sticks are another simple way to increase visibility at night! Flashlights are also a must.
  • Plan a route – For older children sans supervision, plan a safe, well-lit route beforehand. Remind them to always stick with their friends, cross streets as a group and never enter a stranger’s home or vehicle. Also, set a specific time to return home.
  • Stay alert – Keep an eye out for cars backing up or turning. And while taking pictures along the way is tempting, be sure to pocket your mobile device and stay alert when kiddos are on the move.
  • Check the haul – Plan to check kids’ candy before they dig in to ensure sweets haven’t been tampered with and don’t contain any choking hazards. This is especially important for little ones with food allergies or sensitivities.

On the Road

  • Use extreme caution in residential areas – Peak trick-or-treating hours are between 5:30pm and 9:30pm, so remain especially vigilant during this time. Drive slowly near trick-or-treaters and be extra careful pulling in and out of driveways. Expect pedestrian traffic to add a few minutes to your drive.
  • Avoid distractions – Remain focused on the road at all times, turning mobile devices on silent to avoid distraction.
  • Turn on headlights early – Be sure to flip your headlights on a bit earlier than normal to illuminate streets and help you spot trick-or-treaters well in advance.

Please join West Law Firm in working to keep our community’s children safe, following these simple tips for a Halloween that’s all fun – and no frights!

But if an accident does occur, we’re here to help. To schedule a free consultation, contact West Law Firm at 843-761-5626 or click here.

Sources

  1. www.census.gov
  2. safekids.org

About West Law Firm, P.A.

Founded by H. Norman West in 1945, West Law Firm has served the Lowcountry for nearly 75 years.  Practice areas include personal injury, car wrecks, criminal defense, DUI defense, family law, wrongful death, land disputes, business litigation, probate and estate planning, and alternative dispute resolution.

West Law Firm, P.A.
207 Carolina Avenue
Moncks Corner SC 29461

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