Keeping Halloween Safe: Tips for Parents and Drivers to Protect Trick-or-Treaters

Halloween is a time for fun and candy, but it also poses real safety risks for children, especially when it comes to pedestrian accidents. Injury prevention experts share essential safety tips for both trick-or-treaters and drivers to ensure a safe Halloween night.

With Halloween approaching, many are preparing costumes and candy buckets for a night of fun. However, experts caution that Halloween can also be one of the riskiest nights for young pedestrians.

According to Britney Lombard, injury prevention manager at Children’s Hospital Colorado, Halloween has twice as many child pedestrian fatalities compared to any other night of the year. Increased foot traffic, low visibility, and potential impaired drivers create a heightened risk.

“The risk is really great, so we want to make sure that both drivers and kids who are trick-or-treating are being safe for their night,” Lombard emphasized.

Children 12 and under should ideally be accompanied by an adult, and families are encouraged to pick a familiar route. Lombard advises trick-or-treaters to follow standard traffic rules, like using crosswalks and avoiding sudden runs into the street.

Walking defensively is key. "Keep phones away and avoid wearing headphones, so you're fully aware of your surroundings,” Lombard said.

When choosing costumes, Lombard recommends incorporating reflective tape, glow sticks, or carrying a flashlight to increase visibility. She also notes that drivers tend to be less cautious as the night goes on, increasing risks.

Drivers need to be particularly cautious on Halloween. "Backing out of driveways can be dangerous,” Lombard explains. “Always check your mirrors, windows, and consider rolling down your window to listen for kids who may be running behind you.”

Since children are often eager to cross the street, drivers are advised to reduce their speed and exercise extra caution.

Parents should consider costume fit if a child will be in a booster or car seat. "Avoid bulky costumes that can compress in a crash, giving a child too much movement space,” Lombard suggests. If the costume is large, dress your child in an under-layer and wait to put the costume on until you arrive.

While candy tampering is rare, Lombard advises parents to inspect their children’s candy, discarding any items that look damaged or already opened.

Halloween should be filled with fun memories—not accidents. By following these tips, families can enjoy a safer, happier Halloween.