Staggering Pedestrian Accident Statistics For Halloween

It’s almost that time of year again when the little ones among us dress up as ghouls and goblins and go out on the hunt for the best candy they can get from their neighbors.  It is a magical time of year filled with tricks and treats, but unfortunately it also has the possibility to be a dangerous time of year as well.  During Halloween pedestrian accidents occur more frequently then on other nights throughout the fall.

According to AAA the number of pedestrian accidents in the week leading up to Halloween accounts for 43% of all pedestrian deaths in the month of October.  If that’s not bad enough, there are 30% more deaths due to pedestrian accidents during October then during any other month of the year.  This is a staggering number and one that we should all take seriously.  So, what can we do to help protect those youngest among us who are at the most risk on night’s like Halloween?

A. Make sure their costume allows them to remain visible even after dark.  While some Halloween costumes may be dark and dreary they should also have some sort of reflective tape on them to make sure that the ghoul underneath the costume is safe at all times.

B. Remind your child about safety rules like always looking both ways before they cross the road, always cross at a crosswalk or a well-lit intersection, and only cross after you’ve made eye contact with the driver of the on-coming vehicle.

C. Require your child to always be with a “buddy” who they can cross the street with.  At a younger age that buddy may be you, as they get older they should travel with at least one other friend who can be a second set of eyes at intersections.

While more kids die each year in October due to pedestrian accidents then any other month, taking a few small safety precautions can help make Halloween a fun night for all instead of a scary night for parents and kids alike.

We wish you all a safe and Happy Halloween and hope you get lots of your favorite kinds of candy.