Halloween one of the deadliest days for pedestrians, especially kids: doctors

The most frightening threats on Halloween aren't monsters or ghosts; they are cars.

Doctors emphasize that Halloween ranks as one of the deadliest days for pedestrians, particularly children.

“There’s a lot of focus on the risks of candy that might be a little misplaced,” stated Britney Lombard, an injury prevention manager at Children’s Hospital Colorado. However, she noted, experts are certain there is an uptick in child pedestrian fatalities on Halloween.

“There are many ways to mitigate those risks,” she added.

Here are some suggestions to ensure Halloween is safe and enjoyable for everyone—considering both traffic and costumes.

Walk Defensively
One straightforward method to keep yourself and your children safe on Halloween is to stay aware of your surroundings, Lombard explained. This applies to both drivers and pedestrians.

“We see many distracted drivers who are on their phones, and a lot of distracted pedestrians who may have headphones in or are also on their phones,” she remarked.

Children under 12 should generally be accompanied by adults while trick-or-treating. Older kids venturing out alone should understand road safety rules and act responsibly as pedestrians. This includes avoiding phones, making eye contact with drivers before crossing streets, and using crosswalks and sidewalks.

Lombard also urged drivers to adhere to speed limits, refrain from drinking and driving, and stay vigilant—especially at night.

“There will be many children out when it gets dark, and visibility is limited,” she cautioned.

Backing out of driveways can pose particular risks on Halloween as kids dash from house to house. Lombard advises rolling down windows to listen for children and checking mirrors thoroughly while reversing slowly.

Costume Tips
While costumes can be fun and imaginative, experts stress the importance of safety.

Ensure that costumes fit properly and avoid trip hazards like capes or bulky outfits that aren’t safe for car seats.

If a costume includes a mask, it should fit securely and allow for clear visibility. When in doubt, Lombard recommends using face paint instead. Bright, reflective costumes are also advisable; consider adding glow sticks or reflective tape.

Additionally, Dr. Nicholas Algu, a pediatrician at Louisiana’s Ochsner Health, suggested opting for non-flammable costumes. If you're decorating your home for Halloween, steer clear of long cords and open flames to prevent accidents.

“A lot of kids are walking around, and there will be flames, candles, and other hazards,” he said. “Accidents can happen easily.”

Carve Pumpkins Safely
Jack-o’-lanterns are a Halloween staple, but carving them can be risky.

To prevent accidents, Algu recommends ensuring the pumpkin is fully dry, using a marker to outline cut-outs beforehand, and allowing only adults to handle the carving.

“You can have the kids scoop out the pumpkin seeds instead,” he suggested. “That way, they feel involved and helpful, but it's safer for them.”

Alternatively, consider skipping the carving and decorating the pumpkin with attachments for a fun touch.

Be Cautious with Candy and Strangers
While there are myths about tampered candy harming children on Halloween, the more pressing concern is ensuring kids don’t consume their treats before reaching home in case of emergencies—such as sticky or chunky candies that could pose choking hazards.

Additionally, despite the temptation, Halloween is not the best night to explore unfamiliar areas.

Algu advises against entering homes and encourages sticking to houses with their lights on and familiar surroundings.

Even in known neighborhoods, encountering strangers is common, which is why it’s essential to stay with your group and use good judgment to avoid unsafe situations.