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Halloween is a magical time for children across Florida with trick-or-treating, parties and even trips to haunted houses. However, it is also a time everyone needs to pre-plan to stay safe.

According to Injury Facts, 7,450 pedestrians died in traffic or non-traffic incidents in 2017. National Safety Council (NSC) research says that almost 18 percent of these deaths occurred at road crossing or intersections. Some of these incidents happened in parking lots, private property, and driveways. A lack of visibility at night presents an even worse scenario for trick-or-treaters. The NSC reports that children are more than two times as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween than on any other day of the year.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has the following tips for families:

All Dressed Up:

• Plan costumes that are bright and reflective. Make sure that shoes fit well and that costumes are short enough to prevent tripping, entanglement, or contact with flame.
• Consider adding reflective tape or striping to costumes and trick-or-treat bags for greater visibility.
• Because masks can limit or block eyesight, consider non-toxic makeup and decorative hats as safer alternatives. Hats should fit properly so they don't slide over the eyes. Makeup should be tested ahead of time on a small patch of skin to make sure there are no unpleasant surprises on the big day.
• When shopping for costumes, wigs, and accessories, look for and purchase those with a label clearly indicating they are flame resistant.
• If a sword, cane, or stick is a part of your child's costume, make sure it is not sharp or long. A child may be easily hurt by these accessories if he or she stumbles or trips.
• Do not use decorative contact lenses. While the packaging on decorative lenses will often make claims such as "one size fits all" or "no need to see an eye specialist," using decorative contact lenses without a prescription is both dangerous and illegal. This can cause pain, inflammation, and serious eye disorders and infections, which may lead to permanent vision loss.
• Review with children how to call 9-1-1 if they ever have an emergency or become lost.

On The Trick-or Treat Trail:

• A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children on their neighborhood rounds.
• Have flashlights with fresh batteries for all children and their escorts.
• If your older children are going alone, plan and review the route that is acceptable to you. Agree on a specific time when they should return home.
• Only go to homes with a porch light on and never enter a home or car for a treat.
• Law enforcement authorities should be notified immediately of any suspicious or unlawful activity.
• Because pedestrian injuries are the most common injuries to children on Halloween, remind trick-or-treaters:
• Stay in a group and communicate where they will be going.
• Remember reflective tape for costumes and trick-or-treat bags.
• Carry a cell phone for quick communication.
• Remain on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk.
• If no sidewalk is available, walk at the far edge of the roadway facing traffic.
• Never cut across yards or use alleys.
• Only cross the street as a group in established crosswalks (as recognized by local custom). Never cross between parked cars or out of driveways.
• Don't assume the right of way. Motorists may have trouble seeing Trick-or-Treaters. Just because one car stops, doesn't mean others will.

“We at Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys P.A. wish everyone a very happy and safe Halloween. Should you or a loved one be injured in an accident, we are available 24/7 to assist you, and there are no costs or attorney fees unless we receive a monetary recovery for you,” said Fort Myers Child Injuries Attorney Randall Spivey.

Fort Myers Child Injuries Attorney, Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one (1%) percent of Florida attorneys.  He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.  For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll free at 1.888.477.4839, or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information.  You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County 239.793.7748.