The Houston parade accident attorneys remark that you can find lots of web sites with parade safety tips of various types. For parade organizers, you could get a good idea of what to do to ensure parade safety by looking the guidelines from the Dallas Office of Special Events. Unfortunately, the deadly disaster of last year’s parade in Midland, Texas to honor veterans stands out as an example of what could happen if disregard safety planning. That parade had one float crushed by a freight train at a rail crossing. 4 veterans died, and 11 veterans and their spouses were injured in that tragedy. The NTSB has faulted parade organizers and the City of Midland for a lack of safety planning for the parade.

 Our Houston parade accident attorneys provide these general parade safety tips that might help include:

 Ensure that all people driving the floats have a valid driver’s license and proof of liability insurance. Remind them of safe driving habits, such as avoiding drink, distraction, and drowsiness before and during their parade duties. Set a safe speed limit for the parade, such as 5 mph, and make sure drivers stick to it.

Make sure that all parts of parade floats, including streamers and other decorations, and parade costumes are flame resistant or fire retardant.

Have fire extinguishers readily available on all floats.

Costumes can not only catch on fire, they could catch in machinery and wheels. Make sure that costumes don’t extend more than a few feet at most beyond the wearer. And avoid trailing sleeves, hems, and scarves.

Children on floats should be under adult supervision and should be seated at all times. All people standing on the floats should have supports or safety restraints to ensure that they don’t get injured in the event of a sudden engine stall, short stop, or other parade route accident.

Prohibit all parade participants from jumping on or off floats or other vehicles during the parade. Also prohibit them from throwing candy, beads, or other items from the floats to the crowd. Despite Mardi Gras traditions, our Houston parade accident attorneys emphasize that this restriction is actually in force in most communities. The restriction exists because people have actually died trying to obtain the cheap tokens thrown from parade floats.

Be prepared. Develop a safe route plan that avoids train crossings. Have local police and fire officials review your plan for potential weaknesses. Have a command and communication center for the parade. Have plenty of volunteers and/or paid security available for safety and crown control. Have first aid, restrooms, and trash receptacles available.

Get all required parade permits and comply with their restrictions.

The Houston parade accident attorneys at Denena Points, PC urge you to take the necessary safety planning steps to make your parade event memorable as a day of fun. Don’t let it be remembered for accidents or tragedies.