October is the time of year when the little goblins and ghosts love to head out in costumes to collect candy from friends and neighbors. But here in Tulsa, there are many other harvest-time activities besides traditional trick-or-treating.
All these activities, both daytime and after dark, bring the younger set out in droves. Unfortunately, distracted or unaware drivers can create additional hazards not usually present during other seasons of the year. Below are some tips for keeping your children safer as they celebrate.
Keep the kids visible
Glow-in-the-dark costumes (either store-bought or created with reflective tape) are always a good option. So are glow sticks worn on the head or around kids’ necks and wrists to help make them more visible to traffic. Older children can carry flashlights with them, too.
Accompany children 12 and younger
While they may beg to go trick-or-treating with friends, younger kids lack the impulse control to cross only at crosswalks and to stay on sidewalks. They are also vulnerable to predators when walking alone.
Size costumes correctly
Long princess dresses can trip a child on stairs or curbs. Make sure all costumes end at the ankle or above for safety’s sake.
What to do if an accident occurs
Inevitably, there will be accidents surrounding Halloween festivities. If your child is injured in a car accident, as their parent, you must be their advocate. Firstly, get them immediate medical care to minimize the damage they suffer.
Secondly, if their injuries are severe, you will need to be their legal advocate in seeking justice from the at-fault driver and the insurance company that covers their policy.