Pedestrian Safety Awareness
According to the FLHSMV, Halloween is historically noted as one of the deadliest days of the year for pedestrians. In 2022, Florida roadways had 2,590 crashes while 137 of them resulted in serious bodily injuries and 21 fatalities. Due to more families walking to trick-or-treat around their neighborhoods to celebrate when it is dark outside, there is often an increase in pedestrian crashes during this timeframe. Barnes & Cohen want to remind pedestrians and vehicles to be aware of their surroundings while celebrating Halloween. Pedestrian accidents are more likely to occur in an unlit environment and often lead to serious injury or death.
Some tips for vehicles to stay vigilant on Halloween include:
- Reduce your speed and distractions. This includes anything that takes your eyes or mind off of the road or wheel.
- Stay alert and use caution. Some Halloween costumes can impair vision preventing them to act quickly to get out of the way.
- Watch for children and other pedestrians walking, especially if there is no crosswalk or sidewalk.
- Always check behind you when reversing.
- Keep your lights on so you can be sure to see pedestrians if trick-or-treaters dart out into the road.
For Parents and Trick-or-Treaters
- Be safe! Carry a flashlight, use glowsticks, or put reflective tape on goody bags to be more visible.
- Use sidewalks and crosswalks whenever possible. If there are no sidewalks, walk as close to curbs as possible.
- Be aware of your surroundings! Avoid texting while walking to stay alert.
- Children should be supervised when trick-or-treating. If teens are unsupervised, remind them of pedestrian safety.
For more Halloween tips, visit the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website.
If you are injured in a pedestrian accident, don’t hesitate to call Barnes & Cohen and get the help you need.
Injured in Florida, make sure you hire a local attorney licensed by the Florida Bar. Barnes & Cohen serves injury victims in Jacksonville Florida, Jacksonville Beach Florida, Fernandina Florida, MacClenny Florida, Lake City Florida, St Augustine Florida and throughout North Florida.
Injured in Georgia, make sure you hire a local attorney licensed by the Georgia Bar. Barnes & Cohen serves injured victims in St Marys Georgia, Kingsland Georgia, Camden County Georgia, Woodbine Georgia, Waycross Georgia, and Folkston. Serving in the South Georgia office in Kingsland Georgia Patrick Sullivan. Attorney Patrick Sullivan won one of the largest Auto Accident cases in South Georgia $2.9 million. Patrick Sullivan along with the oversight of Glenn Cohen and Chuck Barnes manages the South Georgia Office. The Kingsland Georgia Office offers expert legal knowledge, experience and personal service to the residents of South Georgia.