Halloween is one of the year’s most exciting holidays, but the spooky fun can come with hidden dangers. Accidents and fatalities tend to spike on October 31, with an increased risk for pedestrians and drivers. According to Max Coupland, CEO of Insuranceopedia, understanding common hazards can help people stay safe while celebrating.
“Halloween is an exciting holiday, especially for children, but this excitement often comes at the cost of caution,” Coupland said. “People let their guard down, which can lead to serious accidents.”
Top five most common accidents on Halloween and how to avoid them
1. Child Pedestrian Fatalities
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Halloween sees a 43% increase in pedestrian fatalities compared to an ordinary evening. The night is especially deadly for children, with more pedestrian deaths occurring on Halloween than on any other night of the year.
The cause is often higher foot traffic, as children roam neighborhoods for trick-or-treating. Masks can obscure kids’ vision, making it harder to see oncoming traffic. Additionally, their smaller size makes them more challenging for drivers to notice.