Halloween is one of the most popular holidays in the United States. The celebration of Halloween has grown over the centuries from a single night into an entire month. Halloween Safety Month promotes having fun while taking precautions and prioritizing safety.
Pedestrian awareness is especially important during this spooky season. Halloween night is one of the deadliest nights for pedestrians because it combines low light, heavy pedestrian traffic, distracted drivers, and unpredictable movements by trick-or-treaters, especially those ages 5 to 14.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and safety organizations recommend the following safety tips for trick-or-treaters and drivers:
Trick or Treating
- Walk in groups on familiar routes or with a trusted adult.
- Increase visibility by using reflective tape on costumes, bags, and accessories.
- Carry a flashlight and walk, don’t run, from house to house.
- Stay on sidewalks or walk on the far edge of the road facing traffic.
- Look for cars coming from all directions.
- Check both ways before crossing streets and use designated crosswalks and intersections.
- Do not cross between parked cars or near driveways where visibility is poor.
- Avoid using phones while trick-or-treating; post after returning home.
Drivers
- Use headlights even before dark.
- Watch for drivers who may be impaired. Nearly half of all crash fatalities occurring on Halloween were under the influence of alcohol.
- Slow down. At lower speeds, drivers have more time to react, more room to stop, and a lower risk of causing injury.
- Do not rely solely on technology. Backup cameras and sensors do not always detect small children in the dark.
Costumes and Makeup
- Choose flame-resistant costumes or flame-resistant fabric.
- Ensure costumes fit well to avoid trips and falls.
- Use makeup and hats instead of masks to avoid obstructed vision; test makeup 24–48 hours beforehand to check for allergies.
- Avoid decorative contact lenses unless prescribed by an eye-care professional because of the risk of injury.
Candy and Food
- Inspect all treats for tampering before eating.
- Discard any items with broken seals.
- Eat only factory wrapped treats; avoid homemade treats from strangers.
- Remove choking hazards for young children (such as gum, peanuts, hard candies).
- Check labels for allergens if food allergies are a concern.
Home Safety
- Keep areas well lit and free of obstacles. Move hoses and cords and sweep away slick leaves and nuts.
- Keep pets secured; they are excited, too.
- Use battery-powered tea lights instead of candles in pumpkins. Use flame-free decorations to prevent fires.
During Halloween Safety Month, be attentive to those around you and have a happy and safe Halloween.Scott
Harris, M.D., M.P.H.
State Health Officer
