Halloween Safety: Protecting Trick-or-Treaters on the Most Dangerous Night for Kids

This Halloween, New Jersey neighborhoods will come alive with witches, goblins, zombies, and other frightful characters. But as children venture out for candy and fun, AAA Northeast is urging drivers to be extra cautious. Halloween has been identified as the most dangerous day of the year for child pedestrians, making safety paramount for both drivers and parents.

The Alarming Statistics

A recent analysis by AAA Northeast of federal crash data from 2007 to 2021 reveals that October 31 holds a troubling record as the deadliest day for child pedestrians under 17. During this period, Halloween saw 49 child pedestrian fatalities nationwide—almost double that of the next deadliest day. This chilling statistic highlights the need for heightened awareness and caution among both drivers and trick-or-treaters.
The data also shows Halloween is the second most dangerous day for pedestrians of all ages, surpassed only by November 1. According to Shani Jarvis, outreach manager at AAA Northeast, understanding and preparing for these risks is crucial to ensuring a safe Halloween for everyone.

Tips for Motorists

To help reduce the risk of accidents, AAA Northeast offers several recommendations for drivers:

• Avoid Neighborhood Shortcuts: Stick to main roads and avoid cutting through residential areas where children are likely to be trick-or-treating. These streets can be filled with young kids who may suddenly cross the road in their excitement.
• Watch for Kids in the Street: Young children can be impulsive, often darting between cars or into the street without considering traffic. Be vigilant and prepared for unexpected movements.
• Slow Down: The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety reports that a pedestrian hit by a vehicle going 35 mph is twice as likely to be killed than if the vehicle was traveling at 25 mph. Just a 10 mph difference can mean the difference between life and death, so reduce your speed in neighborhoods.
• Drive Sober: With Halloween festivities in full swing, many adults also celebrate, which can lead to impaired driving. In 2021, there were 38 fatal drunk driving crashes on Halloween night alone. Designate a sober driver or use a ride-sharing service if you’re out celebrating.

Tips for Parents and Trick-or-Treaters

Parents also play a vital role in keeping Halloween safe for their children. Here are some important tips to follow:

• Check Costumes for Visibility: Many Halloween costumes are dark-colored, making children harder to spot. Opt for face paint instead of masks, as masks can obstruct vision. Consider adding reflective tape to costumes and carrying flashlights to increase visibility.
• Accompany Young Children: Parents should accompany kids under 12 while trick-or-treating. For older kids, make sure they understand basic street safety, such as crossing at intersections and avoiding mid block crossings.
• Buckle Up for Short Rides: If you’re driving between neighborhoods, make sure everyone is buckled up, no matter how short the distance. Always have kids exit and enter from the sidewalk side to avoid stepping into the road.

Making Halloween Safer for All

With these simple but effective precautions, both drivers and parents can work together to keep Halloween safe and enjoyable for everyone. By being vigilant and prepared, we can ensure that the scariest thing about Halloween remains the costumes, not the dangers on the road.

If you’ve been involved in a pedestrian accident, contact us for a free consultation at (973) 364-8300.