Halloween can be a ghostly time for some parents — and not just because of spooky costumes. October 31st is one of the most dangerous days of the year, especially for children. The combination of costumes, sugar, alcohol use, and decreased daylight can be a recipe for disaster when it comes to staying safe on the road.
This year, Halloween falls on a Friday. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, Friday night Halloweens see a 21% increase in traffic fatalities compared to regular Friday nights. That’s a frightening statistic.
Still, it’s important to let kids enjoy trick-or-treating — and for adults to help create a safe environment for them to do so. Halloween encourages creativity, physical activity, and neighborhood engagement. It also helps children practice communication, cooperation, and empathy.
Trick-or-Treating Safety for Kids
- Supervise young children: Kids under 12 should be accompanied by an adult while trick-or-treating.
- Be extra cautious with kids ages 4–8: This age group has a 10-times higher risk of pedestrian fatalities on Halloween.
- Walk, don’t run: Encourage kids to walk from house to house — running increases the risk of injury.
- Use the buddy system: Trick-or-treating in groups is safer and more fun.
- Go early with little ones: The highest risk of injury happens around 6 PM, so start earlier if possible.
- Cross safely: Always look both ways and use crosswalks. Don’t assume drivers can see you.
- Add a layer of security: Consider ID bracelets, temporary tattoos with a parent’s phone number, or GPS devices (like an AirTag or Tile) in a child’s candy bag or costume — just in case.
Costume and Visibility Tips
- Choose costumes that fit: Avoid overly long costumes that can cause tripping.
- Use flame-retardant materials: Safety should come before style.
- Make sure masks allow visibility and breathing: If not, opt for face paint instead.
- Increase visibility at night: Add reflective strips to costumes or have kids carry glow sticks or flashlights.
- Car seat safety: If you’re driving to an event, wait to dress kids in bulky costumes until you arrive. Padding and hard costume elements can interfere with seat belts and harnesses.
Safety Tips for Adults
- Clear your driveway and walkways: Remove debris and ensure paths are well-lit to prevent falls.
- Leave your porch light on: This signals that you’re participating and provides extra lighting for visitors.
- Avoid street parking: Keep the roadways clear for pedestrians and other vehicles.
- Limit alcohol consumption: Stay alert and able to respond in case of emergencies.
- Drive cautiously: If you must drive, stay off your phone, go slow, and stay hyper-aware of pedestrians.
- Keep teen drivers off the road: Teenagers already face increased accident risks — Halloween adds distractions and unexpected hazards.
- Carry a first aid kit: Accidents happen — even a Bluey Band-Aid can save the day.
- Respect pet safety: Keep pets inside and away from visitors. Loud noises, flashing lights, and costumes can be overwhelming and unpredictable for animals.
- Only visit homes with porch lights on: This helps kids avoid unsafe or unwelcoming situations.
Halloween Doesn't Have to Be Hazardous
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, around 3,200 people visit the emergency department every Halloween due to injuries. But it doesn’t have to be this way.
If everyone does their part, one day this scary statistic might just become “fake news”.
Blog post submitted by Taryn Giza, Johns Hopkins Suburban Hospital. Thanks Taryn!
