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Halloween is one of the most eagerly awaited nights of the year for kids. Dressing up in their favorite costumes, trick-or-treating in the community, collecting lots of goodies and being with friends and family make Halloween a kid’s dream. Unfortunately, it can also be a safety nightmare. 

According to insurance company statistics, on average, the number of pedestrians hit by cars spikes 23 percent during Halloween week in Florida. 

Why does the risk of a pedestrian being hit by a car rise on Halloween? 

The CDC (Centers for Disease Control) equates the increased risks with: 

Darkness. Most of the time, children (especially younger ones) are outdoors during the day, when it is light outside. Halloween tends to be an exception, with the majority of its festivities taking place after dark. At the end of October, the sun sets before dinnertime, so when most kids are out trick-or-treating, it is already quite dark. 

Poor visibility. Black is one of the traditional colors of Halloween, and many classic costumes, from witches to vampires to Batman, involve draping a child entirely in black. In the dark, this makes it very difficult for motorists to see them. Young children, due to their height, are even harder for drivers to spot. In addition, masks and other costume elements may limit a child's range of vision, making it more difficult for him or her to see cars. 

Inattention. Groups of children and adults in costume, elaborate yard decorations often make it difficult for younger kids to pay attention to traffic. They might run between parked cars, forget to check for oncoming vehicles, or misjudge how fast an approaching car is going. When trick-or-treating in residential neighborhoods, children frequently cross the street in the middle of the block to get to the next house, rather than going to the corner and using crosswalks.  

Higher Vehicle Speeds. Additionally, higher vehicle speeds increase both the likelihood of a pedestrian being struck by a car and the severity of injury.

Alcohol. Halloween is one of the deadliest nights of the year because there are more drunken drivers on the road, according to the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration).  It is especially dangerous for pedestrians, who account for about one of every four people killed in crashes each year on October 31, double the average for an ordinary day, according to the agency.

Parents who speak with their children about Halloween safety and take a few simple precautions can make it a fun and safe night.

SafeKids.org says parents should: 

1. Dress children in light or brightly colored costumes or place reflective tape on darker costumes.
2. Older children should carry flashlights while younger ones can wear glow sticks.
3. Children under 12 should trick-or-treat and cross streets with an adult.
4. Always walk on sidewalks or paths. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the right as possible.
5. Cross the street at corners using traffic signals and crosswalks.
6. Parents should remind children to watch for cars that are turning or backing up.
7. Older children should trick-or-treat in a group.

Tips for drivers on Halloween, and how to avoid a child-pedestrian accident 

The American Automobile Association (AAA) recommends that drivers: 

1. Be aware of what evening and night is the date for celebrating     Halloween in your area.
2. Turn on your lights at dusk, even if you do not need them to see    clearly, because it may help excited kids see your vehicle.
3. Obey all traffic signs and signals.
4. Enter any residential area slowly and carefully, on the lookout for trick-or-treaters.
5. Drive slowly on Halloween, starting before dusk.
6. Watch for children who may jaywalk into the street.
7. Be alert for kids who cross an intersection against the light.
8. Do not consider it rude to hit that horn if need be; warning kids with a honk may be what is needed to get their attention.

“Unfortunately, even the safest drivers and pedestrians are at risk on Halloween. If you or your child is injured, contact us at Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. to determine your rights,” said Cape Coral Personal Injury Lawyer, Randall Spivey.

Cape Coral Personal Injury Lawyer, Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one (1%) percent of Florida attorneys.  He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.  For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll free at 1.888.477.4839, or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information.  You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County 239.793.7748.