Many car accidents happen on Halloween, so it is important to take safety precautions if you plan on driving:
- Drive slowly. Make sure you go below the speed limit when driving through a residential area. Children may dart out into the street and you will need to react quickly. Combine this with the darkness after the sun sets, and you could be in a tragic situation if you drive too fast.
- Do not drink and drive. While Halloween can be a fun time for adults too, if you are going to drink, stay home and hand out candy from your driveway or front porch.
- Be extra cautious when backing out of a driveway. This is especially important if you are wearing a costume that limits your vision. Make sure to look both ways before pulling out into the street.
- Use your headlights. Turn your headlights on as soon as it starts to get dark outside so that other drivers can see you and so that you can see any potential hazards on the road.
- Watch for pedestrians. In addition to keeping an eye out for children, be on the lookout for adults who may have had too much to drink and are now walking home from a Halloween party.
- Enter and exit driveways slowly. This will help you avoid hitting any decorations that may be in the way or any children who may be running around.
- Plan your route in advance. This will help you avoid any areas that may be congested with trick-or-treaters.
- Avoid busy streets if possible. If you must drive on a busy street, be extra cautious and go slowly.
- Stay alert. Do not let the excitement of the holiday distract you from the task at hand: driving. Make sure you put your phone away, and keep distractions to a minimum. You need to focus on the road, so do not let yourself become distracted.
- Follow all traffic laws. This includes obeying traffic signals and stop signs, as well as yield signs.
- Do not block intersections or crosswalks when stopped. This will make it difficult for pedestrians to cross the street and could cause an accident.
- Be patient. Halloween can be a busy night, so do not let the stress of being in traffic get to you. Remember, everyone is just trying to have a safe and fun night.
Tips for Trick-or-Treating
If you plan on trick-or-treating with your children, keep the following safety tips in mind:
- Stay with your children at all times, especially if they are younger.
- If you are dropping your children off at each house, have them come back to your car and not walk between houses.
- Always inspect your childs candy before they eat it.
- Have your children wear bright colored costumes so other drivers can see them better.
- If your child is going to walk between houses on their own, make sure they look both ways if they are crossing the street.
- Make sure you always have eyes on your child when they leave your car.
If you let your older children go out with friends, make sure they check-in with you at predetermined times and that they are back at a specific time.
What to Do if You Get Into an Accident on Halloween?
If you do happen to get into an accident on Halloween, there are a few things you should do. Some steps to take following a Halloween car accident include:
- Check for injuries. If anyone is injured, it is advisable to call 911 immediately. Following any car accident, whether you feel injured or not, you should get checked by a medical professional.
- Move your vehicle out of the way. If you are in a residential area, pull your car to the side of the road, and turn your hazard lights on. This will alert other drivers of the accident, and hopefully they will slow down.
- Exchange information with other people. If your accident involved another vehicle, exchange insurance information with that driver. If your accident was with a pedestrian, exchange information with them. The same is true of witnesses. Make sure you get their contact information.
- Call your insurance company to let them know your vehicle was involved in a crash. Do not admit fault, and do not give them more than they need at this point. Most insurance company policies require you to tell them when your vehicle is in an accident, so you need to report it, but be sure to not give them information that would make them consider you are at fault.
- Call a car accident lawyer. Especially if you have been injured in an accident that was caused by another driver, you may need legal assistance. Your ability to collect compensation for your injuries could depend on the legal team you choose.
Monmouth County Car Accident Lawyers at Mikita & Roccanova Can Help You Following a Halloween Accident
Getting into a car accident presents many dangers and legal complications. As a driver, you can help prevent accidents on Halloween by staying vigilant and driving defensively. Yet, that will not prevent every accident, so if you find yourself injured in a crash, seek trusted legal guidance. Speak with one of our Monmouth County car accident lawyers at Mikita & Roccanova to learn more. Contact us online or call us at 732-705-3363 to schedule a free consultation. Located in Highland Park and Hazlet, New Jersey, we serve clients in Ocean County, Sussex County, Neptune, Middlesex County, and Pennsylvania.