It’s Halloween—Stay Alert for Ghosts & Goblins

For many adults and children alike, Halloween is a favorite holiday. Whether you’re the parent of a child who loves trick-or-treating and dressing up, or you’re the adult who enjoys a festive Halloween party, there are many reasons to enjoy this time of year (including cooler weather and delicious fall foods!).

But while Halloween may be an exciting time of year, it can also be a dangerous one. Statistics show that car accidents and pedestrian accidents both tend to increase over the holiday. If you’ll be out and about this Hallow’s Eve, here are some tips for staying safe, whether as a pedestrian, a driver, or a parent of a young ghost or goblin—

Halloween Accident Statistics

The Halloween holiday can be a dangerous one when it comes to motor vehicle accidents. According to AutoInsurance.org, the Friday of Halloween has an average of 22 percent more fatal crashes than on other Fridays of the year. Another source cites data that Halloween itself—not just the Friday of Halloween—typically sees an increase in fatal crashes, no matter which day of the week it’s on.

Wisconsin Public Radio reports that studies show that pedestrian fatalities are much higher on Halloween, particularly among children. A 2019 study that analyzed the issue found that pedestrian fatalities were 43 percent higher on Halloween. 18 percent of the people who die in crashes on Halloween are children.

Tips for Parents on Halloween

For parents who have little ones who will be trick-or-treating this Halloween, safety is of the utmost importance. Here are some tips for keeping your children safe and reducing the risk of a pedestrian accident:

• Eliminate tripping hazards on costumes. While capes and other accessories may be fun, they can also be dangerous and increase the risk of a child tripping and falling—sometimes right in the path of a motor vehicle. Make sure tripping hazards are minimized.
• Increase visibility. One thing that can greatly reduce the risk of a pedestrian accident is simply making sure that a child is visible to drivers. Outfit your child’s costume with some reflective tape or other bright material, and make sure your child has a flashlight. This will not only keep them more visible but also help them to see where they’re going, too.
• Talk about crossing safety. Children are bound to cross at least one street during their trick-or-treating outing, so it’s important that they know how to do so safely. Children should always walk when crossing, put away any distractions (like cellphones), cross in pairs, cross at a crosswalk when available, and make eye contact with any drivers in the vicinity before crossing. Also encourage children to cross at well-lit crossings when available, and to only cross with a parent (depending on the child’s age).

Tips for Drivers

While a driver isn’t likely to get hurt themselves if involved in a pedestrian accident, hitting a pedestrian can be traumatic and is something that all people want to avoid. Of course, drivers should not only be trying to avoid pedestrian accidents, but also any accidents involving any objects or other motor vehicles. Tips for staying safe as a driver this Halloween include:

• Always drive sober. Alcohol plays a big role in the rate of fatal accidents in our country, and during Halloween, the temptation to drink and drive may be elevated. Always, always drive sober. If you have consumed an alcoholic beverage, ask a sober friend for a ride or call a cab/ride share.
• Put away distractions. In addition to alcohol, distractions are a leading cause of fatal accidents. If you’re tempted to look at your cell phone while driving, do yourself and everyone else on the road a favor by putting it out of reach or putting it on drive mode while behind the wheel. Taking your eyes off of the road for even a couple of seconds could be all it takes to cause an accident.
• Be extra cautious. Remember, during Halloween, there are lots of children out, lots of pedestrians out, and a high potential for other drivers on the road who may not be driving as carefully as you are, including drunk drivers. Slow down, take your time, pay attention to your surroundings, and drive defensively.

Be Safe This Halloween

Whether you’re walking, driving, or parenting this Halloween, it’s important to remember that Halloween, as fun as it is, can be a dangerous holiday. By implementing the safety tips above, you reduce your and your child’s chances of being involved in an accident. If you are involved in a crash caused by someone else this Halloween, be sure to reach out to an experienced car accident attorney.