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Halloween safety can prevent pedestrian car accidents – Part III

Chuck Boyk — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 10:40:39 GMT

Below are the remaining tips in our Halloween safety series on how to prevent pedestrian car accidents. Our Toledo, Ohio car accident lawyers urge parents to be extra careful when taking their kids trick-or-treating on Halloween, and encourage the children to also be cautious.

• Carry a flashlight.

The more noticeable you make yourself to cars, the better. Carrying a flashlight will not only help you to see where you are going, it will also help drivers to see you. In the event of an emergency, a flashlight could also aid in signaling for help.

• Wear costumes that fit properly, including appropriate shoes.

Costumes should fit snugly, with no hanging fabric or objects. Loose material can cause a trick-or-treater to trip and fall. Durable, no-slip shoes should also be worn for the same reason, even if they don’t match your costume.

• Plan your route

Following these tips can help keep Halloween fun and injury free, but encourage your kids to also be smart if they are old enough to trick-or-treat without a parent. Here are a few common-sense guidelines: Never enter a stranger’s house without a parent, no matter what reason the owner gives you. Wear a watch to keep track of the time, and check in regularly to let parents know you’re safe. Never walk alone. Staying in a group will ensure that at least one person can help you if something happens. Remember, if something seems suspicious, trust your judgment. Leave the area and tell a responsible adult about it.

If you or someone you know has been injured in a car accident, you need information. Order your FREE copy of The Ohio Accident Book to learn your rights. Contact our office today for a free consultation and case evaluation.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Chuck Boyk

Halloween safety can prevent pedestrian car accidents – Part II

Chuck Boyk — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 20:57:00 GMT

Keep your kids safe and free from pedestrian car accidents this Halloween by following these important safety tips. Our Toledo, Ohio pedestrian accident lawyers encourage parents to take an active role in trick-or-treating, regardless of a child’s age, in order to prevent wrongful death from pedestrian accidents.

• Never walk behind cars, even if they are parked.

Cars that appear to be parked may have drivers behind the wheel. Avoid backover accidents by always staying in clear view of a driver and never behind a vehicle. Never dart from behind a parked car to cross the street. Drivers don’t expect to see people crossing in the middle of the road, and may not see you.

• Stick to sidewalks.

When possible, always use sidewalks, and stay out of the road. If you must walk in the street, make sure to walk on the left side of the road, against traffic. That way you can see approaching cars, and they have a better chance of seeing you. Stay as close as possible to the shoulder of the road to avoid being struck by a passing car, and if walking in a group, walk single-file.

• Don’t touch dogs that are unfamiliar with you.

Even the friendliest dogs get spooked on Halloween and have the potential to bite. Don’t pet any dog before getting permission from the owner, and remember that just because you recognize a neighbor’s dog doesn’t mean he recognizes you, especially if you are in costume. The dog could see you as a threat and attack. If you have permission to pet the dog, allow him to smell your hand and clothing first.

If you or someone you know had suffered injuries from a pedestrian car accident, order your free copy of The Ohio Accident Book by contacting our office today. Our Toledo, Ohio car accident attorneys are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Chuck Boyk

Halloween safety can prevent pedestrian car accidents – Part I

Chuck Boyk — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 11:36:00 GMT

Trick-or-treating on Halloween brings of kids out of their homes and into the neighborhoods in search of a coveted treat - candy.

But before the kids are out roaming the streets, it is important for parents to remind what adults covet - their children’s safety.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, an average of four wrongful deaths per year occurred during Halloween hours amongst kids ages 5-14 years after pedestrian car accidents.

Our Toledo, Ohio pedestrian accident attorneys have seen firsthand the effects that pedestrian accidents can have on a family.

“Practicing good safety measures at Halloween is essential in order to prevent pedestrian car accidents,” Attorney Chuck Boyk said. “I have seen cases where children were struck by motor vehicles in a pedestrian accident, and the effects are devastating.”

That is why it is imperative for kids to follow these tips to keep them free from pedestrian accident injuries this Halloween.

• Wear bright, reflective clothing.

October days in northwest Ohio can turn dark quickly. Bright, reflective clothing will ensure that other trick-or-treaters, and more importantly drivers, see you. Reflective clothing will stand out, decreasing your chance of being hit by a car.

• Always use crosswalks to cross the street.

When crossing at an intersection with a stoplight, make sure to wait until the pedestrian cross light reads “Walk,” even if the stoplight for cars is green, since cars will often turn in a pedestrian’s path. Never run across the street. Walking decreases the chance that you could fall and injure yourself, which could make it difficult to get out of the way of an oncoming car.

Look for more information on how to protect your children from pedestrian accidents this Halloween in “Halloween safety can prevent pedestrian car accidents - Part II,” coming soon. If you or someone you know has been injured in a car accident, order your free cope of The Ohio Accident Book to learn your rights. Contact our office today for a free, no obligation consultation and case evaluation.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Chuck Boyk