New York Legal Authority
Halloween can be a scary holiday, but not for the reasons you may think. While there may be many a frightening ghoul or ghost strolling about, it is what could happen to those spooks that could be chilling for a parent.
And it is not the urban legends that should worry most parents. Tales of razor blades or drug laced in candy have no basis in fact. They appear to have been invented by overactive imaginations, and the biggest danger is people can spend more time trying to protect children from something that poses virtually no threat, while ignoring real risks.
It is little surprise that car accidents are a significant threat to children walking streets and sidewalks. Small children, often with faces partially obscured by masks, may have a restricted field of view and be even less able to see potential hazards.
Adults should accompany children and carry flashlights, and everyone should be vigilant for cars when crossing streets. Halloween also sees a large number of drunk drivers, so everyone should be extra careful throughout the entire night.
Many costumes include accessories that can inflict real wounds. Small boys may not appreciate the ability of toy swords to cause harm. The costumes with robe, capes and full skirts can create a fall hazard, especially when excited kids are running across dark lawns and up and down steps in a rush.
Of course, moderation is best when it comes to candy for children and alcohol for adults, as both can make the indulgent violently ill. Candy may make children sick for a short time, but adults who binge drink are at risk for both drunk driving car accidents and serious medical problems caused by alcohol toxicity including death.
Source: Philadelphia Business Journal, “Top 6 trick-or-treat dangers,” John George, October 31, 2013
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Halloween-scary stuff for kids and adults
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