Celebrations of Halloween are nothing new in Alaska. Traditions like trick-or-treating and costume parades fill Alaskan neighborhoods with excitement. However, the streets are dangerous, with a high number of pedestrians, especially children, and excited participants zigzagging between houses. Traffic risks increase because drivers are distracted, the streets are poorly lit, and there are many pedestrians, resulting in dangerous conditions for road users.
Facts About Halloween Pedestrian Accidents
Halloween is one of the deadliest nights for pedestrian accidents across the US. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says pedestrian fatalities spike on Halloween and that young children and teens are especially at risk.
Studies show that the peak times for these accidents are between 5:00 and 9:00 p.m. when streets are flooded with trick-or-treaters and visibility is low. If you’re involved in a road accident, lawyers in Anchorage can help you determine who was at fault.
Key Factors that Increase Pedestrian Accidents on Halloween
Increased Pedestrian Traffic and Young Children on the Streets
Halloween sees the streets full of pedestrians, particularly children who have not yet fully learned the rules of road safety. They are young, eager, and often unaware of the dangers of being on busy streets, so they are particularly vulnerable.
As more of these young pedestrians wear dimly lit costumes, the risk of accidental vehicle encounters increases.
Visibility Challenges Due to Costumes and Poor Lighting
Fun costumes often come at the expense of safety. Masks can obstruct a child’s view, and dark costumes make it hard for drivers to see pedestrians at night. Indirect lighting of the streets and poor street lighting also limits visibility, raising the risk for people who walk in poorly lighted streets.
Distracted and Impaired Drivers in Alaska
Holidays, crowded streets, and even holidays distract drivers more than usual on Halloween. Drivers may even text or talk to someone in the car instead of paying attention. Halloween parties also mean impaired driving and drinking alcohol makes the already dangerous conditions on the road even more so.
Determining Fault in Pedestrian Accidents
If you are involved in an accident, you want to determine the at-fault party for compensation. Sometimes, the at-fault party could be the motorist, when they are negligent, say distracted or impaired driving. However, it can also be used on pedestrians who jaywalk or cross incorrectly. Alaska’s comparative negligence laws allow each party to share fault, which can affect the outcome of a case.
Liability in Accidents Involving Children
Child pedestrian accidents have other legal implications. In some cities, laws are stricter for drivers in neighborhoods with high child activity levels because they know that children can be unaware of the street. This could transfer some liability onto drivers due to the more significant duty of care owed to children on Halloween.
How to Stay Safe on Halloween
Safety Tips for Pedestrians (especially children) in Alaska
Safety measures for pedestrians, especially children, can be lifesavers. Reflective elements on costumes, flashlights, and always in groups. At street crossings, always cross at crosswalks and stay on sidewalks because street crossings can quickly become dangerous.
Safety Tips for Drivers in Alaska
As a driver, you should always be alert while driving. Drive slowly in residential neighborhoods when children are most active, particularly between 5:00 and 9:00 p.m. Avoid distractions and be on alert for any sudden movement by children around the road.
Legal Steps for Pedestrian Accident Victims
When a pedestrian accident occurs you seek immediate medical care, document the scene, and collect witness information. Choosing a personal injury lawyer is your best bet to help you through the legal process and to get the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
If your child gets involved in a pedestrian accident, you want to choose a personal injury lawyer. They will help in gathering evidence, proving liability, and getting the compensation for your losses.
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