Staying Safe on Halloween and Bonfire Night

Both Halloween and Bonfire Night are nearly here and many families are looking forward to letting their hair down and having a bit of fun after the quieter events of 2020. Fancy dress, fireworks, sparklers and trick or treat can be enjoyable, but it is important to be vigilant about personal safety.

Halloween is statistically one of the riskiest times of the year - thousands of people across the country are rushed to A&E with injuries from fireworks and bonfires, and figures from the Department for Transport showed an average of 49 children were hit by cars on Halloween over a three-year period – almost twice the number involved in collisions for the two weeks before and after the festivities. Being out and about, encumbered by unfamiliar costumes and perhaps in dark colours, can bring added dangers to young people. Other common injuries include chemical burns from fake blood and other novelty products, and trips from Halloween displays.

Many areas in Wales are hosting organised fireworks events this year and this is usually the safest way of enjoying a display. They are run by professionals who adhere to strict safety standards, most of these events are free and they offer a good opportunity to get out again after a quiet year – remember to wrap up warm.

Unfortunately, our personal injury team sees enquiries every year due to injuries, often caused at festive events.

We would urge you to take extra care at this time of year, look carefully for children crossing the road, make sure you accompany your children when trick or treating or at fireworks displays, and perhaps include reflective strips on any costume they plan to wear.

As we know, A&E departments across the country are already stretched, ambulance waiting times are rising and it is important we all do what we can to reduce the impact on the NHS.

The Personal Injury team at JCP Solicitors has been ranked in both the Legal 500 and Chambers directories and are one of the leading Accident and Injury teams in Wales. For more information contact Ian Rees, Head of the Personal Injury team on ian.rees@jcpsolicitors.co.uk or telephone 03333 209 244.