Fall is here, which means Halloween is right around the corner. Halloween is a festive night filled with costumes, candy, and fun for both children and adults. However, as large groups of children hit the streets for trick-or-treating on October 31st, the potential for accidents and injuries increases significantly.
According to studies, such as one conducted by Canadian researchers at the University of British Columbia, Halloween is one of the most dangerous nights of the year for pedestrians.1 With so many children walking in dimly lit neighbourhoods and drivers navigating busy streets, everyone needs to be more cautious. In this blog, we’ll note some of the steps that trick-or-treaters, pedestrians, and motorists can take to avoid accidents and personal injury, keeping Halloween safe for everyone.
Pedestrian Safety
The excitement of Halloween can make children forget basic safety rules, leading to increased risks for pedestrians. It’s crucial for parents to remind children to stay alert and cautious while walking in the streets, especially when crossing intersections.
Key Tips:
- Look Both Ways Before Crossing: Reiterate to your children that they should always look both ways before crossing any street. Encourage them to use designated crosswalks whenever crossing the road.
- Stay On Sidewalks: Walking on sidewalks keeps children safe from oncoming traffic. If there are no sidewalks, they should walk facing traffic and as far to the side of the road and away from cars.
- Make Eye Contact: Encourage your children to ensure drivers see them before they cross the street, especially when approaching parked cars or areas with limited visibility. Tell your children to make eye contact with drivers before stepping into the roadway.
Visibility: Staying Safe In The Dark
One of the greatest risks for trick-or-treaters is being difficult for drivers to see, especially after dark. From 2018 to 2020, approximately 21% of pedestrian fatalities at night involved the pedestrian wearing dark clothing.2 To help prevent accidents, it’s important to ensure you and your children are as visible as possible.
Key Tips:
- Bright & Reflective Costumes: Choose bright costumes for your kids or add reflective vests, patches, or tape to dark costumes to make them more visible.
- Flashlights & Glow Sticks: Equip your child with a flashlight or glow sticks to carry while walking. Not only does this make them more visible, but it also helps them navigate dark areas more safely.
- Avoid Masks That Impair Vision: If possible, opt for face paint instead of masks. Masks can obstruct vision and increase the likelihood of tripping or not seeing oncoming traffic.
Weather Conditions: Plan Ahead
Unfavourable weather conditions can exacerbate the risks associated with Halloween. Environmental factors such as poor visibility due to rain, fog, or even snow often contribute to pedestrian injuries. Both pedestrians and drivers need to be aware of how the weather can impact their ability to see and navigate safely.
Key Tips:
- Check The Weather Forecast: Before heading out, review the forecast for rain, fog, or snow. If conditions are hazardous, consider adjusting your trick-or-treating plans or taking extra precautions to ensure safety. Avoid costumes that restrict mobility and choose costumes that are appropriate for the weather conditions.
- Appropriate Footwear: Ensure that you and your children wear shoes with good traction to avoid slipping, especially if streets or sidewalks are wet.
Safety Recommendations For Parents
The fun of Halloween can quickly turn dangerous if safety precautions aren’t taken seriously. As a parent, you can take several steps to ensure your children are safe while enjoying the festivities.
Key Tips:
- Supervise Trick-or-Treating: Accompany children under 12 who are trick-or-treating. Even if your children are older, it’s a good idea to ensure they go out in groups and stick to well-lit, familiar areas.
- Plan A Safe Route: Before heading out, plan your trick-or-treating route to avoid busy streets or areas with heavy traffic. Try to stick to neighbourhoods with sidewalks and crosswalks, and avoid shortcuts through alleyways or across streets.
- Costume Safety: Make sure your child’s costume is the right size to prevent tripping or restrict mobility. Costumes that are too long or are ill-fitting can lead to falls or accidents.
Safety Tips For Motorists
As a driver on Halloween night, you’re not only responsible for avoiding accidents with pedestrians but also for staying safe from other drivers who may not be as cautious. With busy streets filled with trick-or-treaters and distracted drivers, it’s important to drive defensively to protect yourself from getting into an accident.
Key Tips:
- Drive Slower Than Usual: Other drivers may not adjust their speed, especially in neighbourhoods full of trick-or-treaters. By driving slower, you give yourself more time to react if another driver suddenly pulls out, speeds through a stop sign, or swerves around pedestrians.
- Be Aware Of Other Drivers’ Blind Spots: Drivers backing out of driveways or pulling into parking spots might not see you, especially with so many distractions around. Stay out of blind spots and be cautious when passing driveways or parking areas.
- Avoid Aggressive Driving Situations: Some drivers may be in a rush or become impatient with the slow pace of traffic on Halloween. If you encounter aggressive drivers tailgating, speeding, or honking, give them space—it’s better to let them pass than to risk getting into a collision.
- Defensive Driving At Crosswalks: Be cautious at crosswalks, where both pedestrians and other drivers may assume they have the right of way. Yield even if you’re unsure if the other driver sees you, and wait for them to stop completely before you proceed.
- Avoid Distractions To Monitor Other Vehicles: Keep your focus on the road at all times, as distracted drivers are more common on Halloween. Stay alert for any erratic driving behaviour, and avoid distractions like phones or eating so you can quickly respond if necessary.
- Watch For Drivers Under The Influence: Halloween parties often involve alcohol, and some drivers may unfortunately get behind the wheel impaired. Be on the lookout for erratic driving, swerving, or speeding, and give these vehicles plenty of space. If needed, report any unsafe drivers to the authorities.
Being alert and defensive can keep you safe from both pedestrian risks and other motorists who may not be driving as cautiously. By maintaining focus and practicing careful driving, you can protect yourself from collisions on Halloween.
Watch For Hazards While Approaching Homes
For trick-or-treaters, it’s important to be aware of potential hazards when approaching homes for candy. While homeowners generally do their best to keep their property safe, there are still risks to watch out for. Being mindful of your surroundings can help you avoid accidents or injuries while out trick-or-treating with your children.
Key Tips:
- Watch For Obstacles On Walkways: Keep an eye out for tripping hazards like garden hoses, flowerpots, and/or Halloween decorations. Costumes, especially ones with masks, can limit your vision, so stay alert as you walk up to homes.
- Stick To Well-Lit Areas: Some houses may have dim lighting to set the Halloween mood, but this can make it harder to see where you are going. Avoid cutting across lawns and stay on walkways. Stick to well-lit paths, and use a flashlight to avoid tripping over any unseen objects.
- Be Cautious Around Pets: Some homes may have pets that are excited or overwhelmed by all the visitors. The unfamiliar costumes may scare the pet and make them feel nervous around people. If you see a dog out walking, near the front door, or in the yard, avoid approaching it. Even a normally friendly pet can become anxious on Halloween.
Staying mindful of your surroundings while approaching homes can make your trick-or-treating experience safer and more enjoyable.
Final Thoughts
Halloween should be a night filled with fun and excitement, not accidents and injuries. Unfortunately, with so many people out walking the streets, the risk of accidents increases on Halloween night. By taking the proper safety precautions, parents, trick-or-treaters, and motorists can help reduce the likelihood of personal injury and ensure that everyone enjoys a safe and happy Halloween.
For Parents: Make sure your children are visible, aware of their surroundings, and stick to safe areas. Supervise younger children and ensure that costumes are safe and practical.
For Drivers: Stay alert, drive defensively, and avoid distractions to protect yourself from careless or distracted drivers on Halloween night.
For Trick-or-Treaters: When approaching homes, be mindful of obstacles on walkways, stay on well-lit pathways, and watch for pets that may be outside to avoid any accidents while trick-or-treating.
By working together, we can all help make Halloween a night full of treats and fun, not accidents and injuries. Stay safe, be smart, and enjoy a Happy Halloween!
If you or a loved one suffer an injury on Halloween because of someone else’s negligence, you may have legal options. Whether the injury occurred due to unsafe property conditions, a distracted driver, or any other preventable incident, Melanson Law is here to help. Contact us to discuss your potential legal rights, and we’ll guide you through the process of resolving your personal injury claim to get you the compensation you may be entitled to.
1 Staples JA, Yip C, Redelmeier DA. Pedestrian Fatalities Associated With Halloween in the United States. JAMA Pediatr. 2019;173(1):101–103. doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2018.4052
2 Statistics Canada. (2023, October 30). Circumstances surrounding pedestrian fatalities, 2018 to 2020. The Daily. https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/231030/dq231030a-eng.htm