What Are the Most Common Injuries During Halloween?

Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers | Personal Injury

What Are the Most Common Injuries During Halloween?

Halloween is a time of fun and excitement for children and adults alike, but it can also present some unique safety risks. While dressing up, trick-or-treating, and enjoying spooky activities, it’s essential to be aware of the potential dangers that could lead to injuries. 

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), an average of 3,000 Halloween-related injuries are treated in emergency rooms every year. About 56% of the injured are adults, 44% are under 18, and 6% of injury victims are children two years old and younger. 

Here’s a closer look at the most common injuries that tend to occur during Halloween and tips on how to stay safe.

Cuts and Lacerations From Pumpkin Carving

Cuts and lacerations from pumpkin carving account for about 55% of Halloween-related ER visits. These injuries often result from using sharp knives or improper carving tools while holding a slippery pumpkin. 

These tips can help prevent injuries while carving pumpkins: 

  • Use a pumpkin carving kit with tools like small, serrated saws that are safer to use than kitchen knives
  • Carve your pumpkin on a stable, flat surface
  • Keep the surface of the pumpkin, your tools, and your hands dry to prevent slipping
  • Leave the carving to an adult or closely supervise older children 

Kids can safely participate in pumpkin carving by drawing a face on the pumpkin for an adult to cut out. Children can also handle safe tasks, like scooping out the seeds with a large spoon. 

Slips, Trips, And Falls

One of the most frequent injuries during Halloween is slip and fall accidents. Among adults, these accidents usually happen while putting up or taking down decorations. Falls from ladders can cause devastating injuries, like fractures and traumatic brain injuries. They can even be fatal.  

Among children, falls are likely to be related to their costume, running, and the conditions of the walkway or other surfaces. Costumes, distracting decorations, and nighttime can all create hazards, particularly for children running from house to house while trick-or-treating. Costumes that are too long or have loose parts can cause children to trip, while masks with limited visibility can make it harder to see obstacles on the ground. Poorly lit walkways and uneven or slippery surfaces can also contribute to these accidents.

Make sure your child’s costume fits properly and does not drag on the ground. Use face paint instead of a mask that may limit visibility. Stick to well-lit walkways and driveways when trick-or-treating, avoiding areas with poor visibility or cutting through grass that may be damp or have hidden hazards. 

Motor Vehicle Accidents

With children darting between houses and crossing streets unpredictably, pedestrian accidents are a serious risk on Halloween night. 

Make sure your children are as visible as possible, and teach them how to cross streets and driveways safely: 

  • Use designated crosswalks or cross the street at intersections or corners
  • Look both ways before crossing, make sure drivers see you, and be aware of your surroundings
  • Teach kids to walk, not run, between homes, watch driveways for cars backing up, and avoid moving between parked cars
  • Equip children with flashlights or add reflective tape to their costumes and treat bag
  • In neighborhoods without sidewalks, walk as close to the edge of the street as possible and walk facing the traffic

If you are driving on Halloween, avoid distracted driving and pay extra attention to your surroundings. Watch for children, especially in residential areas, and be prepared for kids to move in unexpected ways. 

Rashes and Allergic Reactions

Rashes and allergic reactions are especially common and may be caused by costumes, candy, and other Halloween treats. 

Halloween is synonymous with candy and treats, but some children might have allergies to common ingredients. Common allergens, such as tree nuts, peanuts, or dairy, can lead to serious allergic reactions. Always check for potential allergens before allowing children to consume candy. 

Check packaging for signs of tampering. Throw away any treats with an opened or damaged packaging, and any unlabeled or unknown treats. 

Halloween costumes and face paint may also be a source of allergic reactions, rashes, or adverse skin reactions. 

Watch for signs of an adverse skin reaction like redness, dryness, itching, or blistering. Before applying face paint or makeup, do a spot check. Preservatives, dyes, and fragrances in these products usually are the source of adverse reactions. 

Choking

Allergic reaction isn’t the only risk posed by Halloween candy; it can also present a risk of choking, especially for young children. Hard candies, gum, and other small treats can pose a choking hazard. Inspect your child’s treat bag for choking hazards based on their age. 

Stay Safe While Enjoying Halloween

While Halloween is a night of fun and scares, it’s important to keep safety in mind to avoid common injuries. By taking a few simple precautions, you can help ensure that Halloween remains a safe and enjoyable holiday for everyone. 

Contact the Pinellas County Personal Injury Law Firm Of Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers for Help

For more information, please contact the Clearwater and St. Petersburg personal injury law firm of Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers at the nearest location to schedule a free consultation today.

We serve Pinellas County and its surrounding areas:

Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers – Clearwater
1875 N Belcher Rd. STE 201,
Clearwater, FL 33765
(727) 796-8282

Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers – St. Petersburg
2560 1st Ave S,
St. Petersburg, FL 33712
(727) 349-1728