Did you know that for holiday-related injuries to children 19 years and younger, the fourth-highest number occurred on Halloween (edged out by Labor Day, Memorial Day and the Fourth of July)? And that children under the age of five sustain the greatest proportion of Halloween injuries?Halloween is spooky enough without a trip to the emergency room for your little one. And though it’s tempting to reason that the COVID-19 pandemic will be keeping many kids home this year, home is exactly where most injuries occur.

Cut Down on Dangerous Carving

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), a whopping 41% of all Halloween injuries occur while carving pumpkins. Here are some tips for safer carving:

• Use specially designed safety knives, or choose a marker instead.
• Kids can scoop out seeds, but leave carving to adults.
• For illumination, use battery-operated votive lights rather than open flame candles.

This Fall, Don’t Fall

The CPSC reports that the second highest cause of accidents, at 32%, are falls that happen while putting up decorations, tripping on costumes or walking while trick-or-treating. To help prevent these incidents:

• Remove obstacles from lawn, steps and porches before decorating.
• Ensure these outdoor areas have adequate illumination.
• Choose masks with large eye and nose holes for adequate visibility and breathing, or use makeup instead.
• Avoid baggy or oversized costumes, or those with parts that drag on the ground.
• Add reflective tape to your trick-or-treater’s costume, and give them a flashlight or glowstick to illuminate their path and make them more visible to drivers and other pedestrians.
• Obey all road rules, including looking both ways at intersections.
• Have children walk in groups or with a trusted adult.
• Don’t look at your cell phone when walking.

Brake for Witches, Wizards and Wolverines

Even if you’re not trick-or-treating, you can help keep Halloween a safer holiday this year, especially when driving:

• Never drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Never use your cell phone while driving (it’s now illegal in Massachusetts).
• Drive slowly and watch for trick-or-treaters.

Keep in mind that if someone is injured on your property or by your distracted driving, you could be held liable.If the worst happens and your child is hurt due to someone else’s negligence, we can help you understand your rights and evaluate your personal injury claim. You have the right to seek compensation for pain and suffering. Contact us today for help.