Latest News

Stay safe in Swindon at Halloween

From San Francisco and Seattle to Swindon and Stratton, you'll see more groups of children on the streets after dark at Halloween than on any other night of the year. Here are some tips from Swindon Accident Solicitors on how to enjoy trick or treating without running the risk of accidents or injuries.

Tips for your kids

• Trick or treat with a responsible adult. Teenagers; if you're out without supervision make sure you stay in groups.
• Stick to well-lit streets and areas you know. Choose Halloween-friendly houses to trick or treat (the ones with pumpkins in the drive!).
• Look right, left and right again when crossing the street. If possible, cross at traffic lights. Walk, don't run. Avoid the Magic Roundabout!
• Use your mobile to take photos and snapchat, but put the electronic devices away when walking along dark streets and crossing roads.
• Make yourself visible. It wouldn't be Halloween without black costumes, but use bright face paint, reflective tape, or carry glow sticks.

Tips for adults

• If you're driving, remember how excited kids get at Halloween. Drive extra carefully in residential areas. Watch out for kids sprinting out from behind parked cars or out of driveways.
• Give older children clear instructions on where to go and what time to get home.
• If you're a supervising adult, hover discretely. Don't embarrass your teenage offspring!

Be careful with costumes
It is two years since the accident that left the daughter of Strictly Come Dancing host Claudia Winkleman badly burned while wearing a Halloween costume. Parents assume their children will be safe from harm if they buy a Halloween costume from a supermarket or high street chain, but legally, fancy dress outfits are classed as fun toys rather than regular clothing and are not subject to the same fire safety regulations.

Make sure your child's costume meets the European Standards of safety, but take your own precautions, too. Even if a garment passes stringent standards, it could still catch fire. Ensure costumes are the right size to prevent trips and falls. Skip glitter, which makes clothing more flammable. Avoid netted material on dresses, it's also very flammable.

The law provides strong protection for consumers when things do go wrong, but remember no one is to blame for a pure accident. It always makes sense to buy Halloween costumes from reputable retailers who are likely to take their responsibilities more seriously.

Swindon Accident Solicitors have been helping local families with compensation claims for over 20 years. If the worst does happen and you need to make a claim, we will work hard on behalf of your child to ensure that they get the compensation they need and are entitled to.

If you have been injured, speak to a specialist solicitor. The advice above should help your claim proceed with ease. Call SAS today on 01793 425595.