This post was written by Tony GiaQuinta, MD, PPG – Pediatrics and Primary Care.
Halloween is definitely one of my favorite holidays. I love walking around the neighborhood with my kids, watching their excitement and energy as they run from house to house knocking on doors. However, all that excitement and energy definitely brings out that impulsive, spontaneous side that might make kids and parents neglect the usual safety rules.
Hard facts about Halloween safety
According to Safe Kids Worldwide 2023, on average, children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween than on any other day of the year.
Less supervision, dark conditions and limited vision from masks can present some dangerous conditions for your child. This Halloween, take some time to review these safety tips from the Division of Fatality Review and Prevention at the Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) to make sure your kids get all the treats (and avoid the threats)!
Top tips for Halloween safety
- Carry glow sticks or flashlights, use reflective tape or stickers on costumes and bags, and wear light colors to help kids see and be seen by drivers.
- Join kids younger than 12 years for trick-or-treating.
- Remind kids to cross the street at corners or crosswalks.
- When selecting a costume, make sure it is the right size to prevent trips and falls. Choose face paint over masks when possible. Masks can limit children’s vision.
- A responsible adult should accompany young children on the neighborhood rounds.
- If your older children are going alone, plan and review a route acceptable to you.
Safety tips for drivers
- Slow down and be alert! Kids are excited on Halloween and may dart into the street.
- Turn on headlights early in the day to spot kids from farther away.
- Watch for children walking on roadways, medians, and curbs.
- At twilight and later in the evening, watch for children in dark clothing.
- If possible, reschedule activities that require driving to earlier in the day or the next day.
- Try to stay off the roads during trick-or-treating hours.
More resources
- Halloween safety tips from Parkview experts.
- Check out the U.S Food & Drug Administration’s guidelines for having a safe Halloween!
- Utilize the driving agreement from the American Academy of Pediatrics if you have a teen driver.
- Learn about the Safe Kids Worldwide safety tips fact sheet.
