More children are struck by cars on Halloween than any other night of the year. The CDC found that the number of deaths among young pedestrians (ages 5-14) is four times higher on Halloween evening than any other evening of the year. Sadly, Halloween is a dangerous night, but it doesn’t have to be that way if you follow some simple safety tips.
Two-thirds (2/3) of all highway fatalities at Halloween are alcohol-related. Don’t even think about getting behind the wheel if you’re impaired.
While excited trick-or-treaters may forget the rules of the road and be oblivious to the hazards, we, as motorists must be very vigilant. Be especially careful between 4 and 8 p.m., when most severe vehicle/young pedestrian collisions happen. Approximately 85% of deaths among young pedestrians occurred at non-intersection locations (indicating children are most likely to dart and dash from mid-block into the street).Review all appropriate pedestrian and traffic safety rules with children.
- Look both ways before crossing the street. (Ideally, pedestrians should look right, left, and then right again.)
- Only cross at street corners, stoplights or crosswalks.
- Never cross against a green (or yellow) light.
- Make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of a stopped car and wait for them to wave you on.
- Stick to the sidewalk between houses. If there are no sidewalks, walk on the far edge of the road facing traffic.
- Do not cross yards and lawns where unseen objects or the uneven terrain can present tripping hazards and never walk near lit candles or luminaries.
- Brighten them up. Fasten reflective tape to their costumes and treat bags to make sure they are visible. Give them flashlights with fresh batteries and glow sticks, to help them see and so drivers/others can see them.
- Children should trick-or-treat in a group if someone older cannot go with them.
This doesn’t mean parents be scared to let their kids out of the house that night, but that they need to make sure kids understand how to be a safe pedestrian.
Review traffic safety rules for drivers:
- All motorists need to be especially alert and cautious when driving on Halloween because of the increased number of pedestrians walking the streets.
- Watch for children darting out from between parked cars and into the street. Kids can cross the street anywhere, and most young pedestrian deaths happen at spots other than intersections.
- Watch for children walking on roadways, medians and curbs. Yield to all pedestrians.
- Be extra alert when pulling in and out of driveways
- Do not assume children can see vehicles or are paying attention. Drivers need to take that responsibility.
- At twilight and later in the evening, watch for children in dark clothing.
- Don’t use a cell phone while driving through neighborhoods. A single distraction could lead to a tragedy.
- Discourage teens from driving on Halloween. There are too many hazards and distractions for inexperienced drivers.
- Stay well below the posted speed limit. Drive slowly, and don’t pass stopped vehicles. The driver might be dropping off children.
- Communicate with other drivers. Always use turn signals. And if parents have to pull over to drop off or pick up their kids, turn on the vehicle’s hazard lights.
- Drivers should also check that all lights on their car work.
KidsAndCars.org (KAC) is a nonprofit child safety organization dedicated to preventing injuries and death to children in or around motor vehicles. KAC has been pioneering a prevention movement since 1996 by promoting the highest level of awareness among parents, caregivers, legislators and the public at-large about the dangers inherent to children when in or around motor vehicles. KAC works to prevent these sudden and tragic events through data collection, education and public awareness, policy change, product redesign and survivor advocacy.
