Children more than twice as likely to be struck by vehicles on Halloween, safety group warns
NEW JERSEY — With Halloween approaching Saturday, a national child safety organization is warning parents and motorists that children face a significantly higher risk of being struck by vehicles while trick-or-treating.
According to Kids and Car Safety, children are more than twice as likely to be struck by a vehicle on Halloween than on any other day of the year. The nonprofit organization is urging parents, caregivers and drivers to take additional precautions to protect children, particularly in neighborhoods where trick-or-treating activities will take place after dark.
The organization reports that at least 110 children are backed over or run over in parking lots and driveways each week, while approximately another 100 children are struck on public roadways nationwide. Pedestrian fatalities have also continued to increase over the past decade, highlighting the dangers children face both on and off roadways.
Kids and Car Safety officials say young children are especially vulnerable because they can be difficult for drivers to see around vehicles. Blind zones exist in front of, alongside and behind all vehicles, preventing drivers from seeing small children even when using rearview and side mirrors.
The problem is particularly concerning with larger trucks and SUVs, which can have substantial blind zones. According to the organization, the front blind zone of a larger truck or SUV can extend up to 15 feet, while the rear blind zone can reach 50 feet.
The organization says the growing popularity of larger, heavier vehicles has contributed to an increase in incidents in which children are run over by vehicles moving forward. Trucks and SUVs account for approximately 80% of new vehicle sales, according to the group.
Children ages 5 and younger face the greatest risk because their smaller size makes them harder to see from behind the wheel. Young children may also lack the impulse control and ability to recognize dangerous situations, including understanding the boundary between a yard and a roadway.
Halloween presents additional challenges because children may be distracted by costumes, candy and excitement, while reduced visibility during evening hours makes it more difficult for motorists to spot pedestrians.
“Talk to children about the dangers around vehicles — but never rely on them to protect themselves,” said Amber Rollins, Executive Director of Kids and Car Safety. “Even the most cautious child can make a split-second mistake. Children live in the moment — they’re thinking about candy, not danger. In just one second, a family’s life can change forever. It’s our job as adults to stay alert, stay aware, and keep them safe.”
Safety recommendations for Halloween
Kids and Car Safety recommends that motorists avoid unnecessary driving on Halloween whenever possible. Those who must drive should reduce their speed, remain alert and expect children to enter roadways unexpectedly, particularly in residential neighborhoods.
Parents and caregivers are encouraged to directly supervise children younger than 12 at all times while trick-or-treating. The organization also recommends that children carry flashlights or glow sticks and wear reflective tape or stickers on costumes and candy bags to make themselves more visible to motorists.
Light-colored costumes can help improve visibility, while properly fitted clothing can reduce the risk of trips and falls. Parents should avoid costumes with masks that restrict a child’s vision and consider face paint instead.
The organization also advises families to leave electric bicycles and scooters at home on Halloween because of the increased risk of injuries. When children use these devices at other times, they should wear helmets appropriately rated for the speeds involved.
Children should be taught to watch for vehicles turning or backing out of driveways and reminded that drivers may not be able to see them. Families should also emphasize the importance of walking rather than running, keeping phones put away and remaining aware of their surroundings.
When sidewalks or walking paths are available, children should use them. If no sidewalk exists, pedestrians should walk facing traffic and remain as far to the left as possible.
The organization recommends crossing streets at corners and looking left, right and left again before stepping into the roadway.
Kids and Car Safety emphasizes that adult supervision and attentive driving are essential to preventing tragedies, particularly during Halloween celebrations when large numbers of children are outside after dark.
Additional Halloween safety information is available through Kids and Car Safety.
