The Philadelphia car accident lawyers of Geoffrey B. Gompers & Associates would like to share some important information to help parents keep their trick-or-treaters safe this Halloween season. Kids are excited and distracted on Halloween and it is important to discuss safety tips with children of all ages before they set out to celebrate the night of fun filled with trick or treating. These facts and precautions just might save a child from falling victim to a pedestrian accident this Halloween.
Parents might not realize that the greatest risk a child faces on Halloween is becoming a victim of a child pedestrian accident. This risk is greater than the fears of poisoned candy or being the victim of an unsuspecting dangerous prank or being confronted by a stranger. In order to avoid a child pedestrian accident adults should always accompany young children. Teens should be reminded to pay attention and take precautions if texting or using cell phones and keep their eyes on the sidewalks and walkways. Children of all ages should be reminded to remain on sidewalks and cross only at crosswalks. Children should use flashlights and wear reflective clothing if going out after dark and parents must ensure that masks or costume accessories do not obstruct a child’s vision.
This is all very important as a recent study indicates that children have a greater chance of being fatally injured by a car on Halloween than any other day of the year! Over four million records relating to Halloween car accidents and fatalities of children ages 0-18 were analyzed by Sperling’s BestPlaces between 1990 and 2010. This analysis was reported in the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) and showed the following statistics regarding pedestrian accidents involving children:
- The average number of daily fatalities is 2.6. That number doubles on Halloween for child pedestrian accidents.
- Between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. is the time when 60% of accidents occurred.
- Children ages 12-15 showed the highest fatalities of 32% and children ages 5-8 showed fatalities of 23%.
Geoffrey B. Gompers & Associates Car Accident Lawyers in Philadelphia Represent Victims of Pedestrian Auto Accidents
The Philadelphia car accident lawyers at Geoffrey B. Gompers & Associates want individuals to be safe during this Halloween season. Our personal injury attorneys encourage parents and children to reduce the risk of child pedestrian accidents by taking precautions while enjoying the tradition of trick or treating. However, if you find yourself or a loved one in need of assistance because of a Halloween-related pedestrian accident, call our experience lawyers to protect your rights and fight for the compensation to which you are entitled under the law.
We represent victims of motor vehicle accidents, including pedestrian, motorcycle and bicycle accidents, throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Our law offices are located in Center City Philadelphia and Voorhees, New Jersey, conveniently located for easy accessibility from communities throughout Philadelphia County, Bucks County, Montgomery County, Chester County and Delaware County. Call Geoffrey B. Gompers & Associates today at 215-567-6600 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. We respond promptly 24 hours a day / 7 days a week.