Albuquerque Journal warned New Mexico was the most dangerous state in the U.S. for pedestrian accidents. This is a big problem all year round for people who like to walk. However, it becomes an even bigger issue on one particular day of the year: Halloween. According to Children's Safety Network: "Halloween is the deadliest day of the year for child pedestrian accidents." The risk of accidents doubles on this day and parents need to be aware of the dangers when they are making their Halloween plans.
One thing parents can do is think carefully about where to take kids trick-or-treating. If parents choose safer locations, they can reduce the risk a serious or deadly Halloween pedestrian accident will happen.
Of course, unsafe drivers can be anywhere and everywhere, and it is up to drivers to make sure they don't endanger children. If a driver is careless and makes an unsafe driving choice, the motorist should be held accountable for losses.
Parents should go trick-or-treating with their kids, at least until kids are around 12 or older. Parents should also plan where their kids will go for trick-or-treat. When designing the route you and your children will take:
- Try to stick to streets you know. If your own neighborhood is not a safe place to go trick-or-treating, then you should consider other neighborhoods you are familiar with, such as the neighborhood of friends or relatives.
- Look for areas which are well-lit. You should try to find a neighborhood where there are ample street lights and where you can count on it being bright enough cars will see you and your children.
- Plan a route which has sidewalks and crosswalks. It is ideal to find a neighborhood to go trick or treating in where you can find sidewalks and crosswalks to walk on. If you and your kids are able to stay on a sidewalk, you can significantly reduce the chances of getting hit by a car.
You can also consider looking for indoor trick-or-treating areas or other alternative activities you can do with children which will keep them away from the roads where Halloween pedestrian accidents happen. Last year, for example, KRQE reported Cottonwood Mall held an indoor trick-or-treating event in Albuquerque from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. The event was free and provided the chance for kids to trick-or-treat where there was no traffic.
Considering different alternatives to outdoor trick-or-treating can be advisable, because even parents who are careful could find themselves or their kids hurt if drivers are careless. If pedestrian Halloween accidents happen, parents need to know what their rights are for pursuing a claim against the drivers responsible.