Prevent Halloween Tricks with these Quick Tips

Halloween is now one of the most celebrated American events – look down your street and you’ll likely find creative jack-o-lanterns, haunted homes complete with graveyards, and animatronic beasts and zombies popping up overnight.

While fun, costumes and candy rule All Hallows’ Eve, it can often bring unexpected consequences that lead to property damage and even injury. Mercury Insurance, for example, saw an increase in claims for parked car collisions and vehicle vandalism during the three days surrounding Halloween in 2016, so it’s important to keep an eye for tricks in addition to all of those treats.

So, with that in mind, I encourage you to consider these tips for trick-or-treaters and parents, drivers and homeowners as you celebrate this Halloween.

Trick-or-Treaters

• Pick a costume for your child that fits. Select outfits that don’t obscure vision – watch out for masks that are too big or limit what your child can see like oncoming traffic, cracks in the sidewalk or smaller children.
• Select props that enhance a costume, but won’t hurt someone. Use dull and flexible props to complete an outfit. Sharp swords, daggers or spears could definitely spoil a night of collecting candy.
• Make sure your group is seen. Add glow sticks to illuminate your group’s outfits and carry flashlights so motorists can see you in the dark when crossing streets, as well as when you walk past driveways.
• Watch where you cross the street. Always use crosswalks, traffic signals and street corners when crossing roads. Don’t cross between parked cars because it makes it difficult for motorists to see you. Look both ways to check for cars before stepping off the curb.
• Don’t participate in distracted walking. Put away your electronic devices and pay attention to drivers on the road. One inattentive social post could ruin your Halloween, so save status updates and photos for when you get home.
• Children should always trick-or-treat with an adult. Young children should be supervised by a trusted parent or guardian at all times when trick-or-treating.
• Teens should discuss and share their route with parents and friends before leaving. Although most teens think trick-or-treating isn’t cool, if they choose to go out, they should talk to their parents and friends ahead of time about the neighborhoods they’ll be visiting in case things go awry. Parents should reinforce sticking to the agreed upon plan and curfew time, and let them know of the consequences of deviating from either.

Drivers

• Take your time. Add extra time to your travel route, especially when heading to events with specified hours. This will reduce stress and help you reach your destination on time.
• Watch out for kids and adults in costume. Halloween is a busy foot-traffic night, so watch out for superheroes, ghosts and other trick-or-treaters who may not see you. It’s fun to check out the costumes, but stay alert while behind the wheel.
• Limit driving during peak trick-or-treating hours. Peak hours for trick-or-treating are typically between 5:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. For your own safety and the safety of others, try to leave before or after these times if you need to drive.
• Be careful when leaving driveways. Look twice, even several times, before backing out of driveways – rear-end collisions are one of the most common auto claims. If possible, have someone act as a crossing guard before exiting driveways to prevent an accident. An alternative is to back your vehicle into the driveway when you park so you are facing forward when you leave.
• Take care of your vehicle. Vandals might look to use your vehicle for batting practice, or target it with eggs or pumpkins, so consider where you park. Well-lit areas are best if you don’t have space in a garage or only have access to street parking.

Homeowners

• Light your walkway. Lights can reduce the likelihood of vandalism to your home and will increase visibility for costumed visitors who may have difficulty navigating the terrain.
• Keep pets indoors. Some dogs and cats are easily spooked by strangers or children disguised in costumes. Keep your four-legged friends inside or in a separate part of your home when hosting a party to keep them safe and prevent injuries to them or your guests.
• Install surveillance cameras. Cameras installed around areas of your home that are away from the street or obstructed may help law enforcement identify vandals.
• Set up a neighborhood watch. Talk to your neighbors and set up a neighborhood watch schedule on your block. Map out potential trouble spots and assign watch times. Consider inviting law enforcement to your meetings for additional advice.
• Mitigate the chance of a liability claim. Take simple steps to prepare your home for Halloween to minimize the chance of injury on your property. Inspect your property for potential hazards and remove obstacles that may cause injuries or accidents.

Have a safe and Happy Halloween!

Randy Petro

Mercury Insurance