Halloween scares should all be in good fun. Sadly, it doesn’t always work that way. At Shiner Law Group, we understand that while the evening is filled with the mock menace and playful pretense, it also has a very real dark side. Halloween is one of the top three days for pedestrian fatalities and injuries, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. We encourage our Palm Beach County community to celebrate safely.
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How can you stay safe?
Keep these seven tips in mind when choosing your costume.
Be Sure That You Can See …
It’s hard to dodge trouble if you can’t see it coming. Make sure you can see your surroundings clearly. Avoid any masks that block vision or interfere with your breathing. Can’t find a mask that fits both your costume and your face? Use makeup and face paint to fashion a uniquely scary look.
… And That You Can Be Seen
Drivers can’t avoid you if they don’t see you. Carry a flashlight and choose costumes that are readily visible. Light colored fabrics are best, but if you have to go dark consider adding reflective strips. Glow sticks and glowing jewelry are perfect accessories, and glow-in-the-dark makeup is a practical way to produce an eerie effect.
Fit Right In
Trick-or-treating and outdoor festivals often involve traveling over uneven ground. To prevent embarrassing trips and potentially painful falls, choose a Halloween costume that fits properly. Pay special attention to hemlines and the length of any capes or extra-long sleeves.
Don’t Step in It
Cinderella may be famous for her glass slippers, but even she might opt to wear sneakers or other sensible shoes on Halloween. Trick-or-treating can involve lots of walking, and the ground beneath your feet can be dimly lit and treacherous. Make sure that your footwear fits well and is appropriate for your travels.
Be Wise When You Accessorize
Crowds are the norm on Halloween. Whether it’s at a party packed with creatures of the night or on a sidewalk swarming with teeny trick-or-treaters, the wrong accessory can be downright dangerous. For the safety of you and everyone in your vicinity, avoid any accessories that are sharp, hard or especially long. Instead, select items crafted from soft, forgiving materials like foam and shortened props that are less likely to be a hazard to those around you.
Be Unique
There’s safety in numbers, so it’s important to be able to keep your group together while celebrating Halloween. Common costumes can make this difficult. How do you keep track of which witch is which or which mummy belongs with which mommy? Be unique. Use makeup, an accessory, a hairstyle or a special flash of color to create a distinctive look so that you can always pick your monsters out of the crowd.
Don’t Fire It Up
Flashlights and glow sticks have mostly replaced open flames, but some traditionalists still like to decorate with candles. Always be aware of your surroundings, and protect yourself and everyone else by opting for a costume that is fire-retardant, especially if your outfit features long capes, skirts or sleeves that might get too close to the flames without attracting your attention until it’s too late.
Halloween is supposed to be full of thrills and chills, but there’s no need to let actual danger intrude on the fun. After all, the right costume can be both safe and scary, so you can relax and enjoy a little festive fear without fretting about real risks.
If your child or children have been injured on Halloween, call 561-777-7700 for our personal injury attorneys. Our Halloween Injury Lawyers are local and available 24/7. Ask about our FREE Case Evaluation.
