As New York City prepares for Halloween, millions of excited children are counting down the days to this festive holiday. But while Halloween is filled with fun costumes and sweet treats, it also presents real safety risks, especially for young trick-or-treaters.
As personal injury attorneys who have served New York families for over three decades, we’ve seen firsthand the impact of Halloween-related accidents across the five boroughs. Preparation is key to ensuring this special night doesn’t turn into a real-life nightmare.
Thankfully, the NYC Department of Transportation’s “Trick-or-Streets” initiative is back for the third year in 2024, creating 147 car-free zones across the city for families to safely enjoy Halloween.
Even with these safety measures, it’s essential to be aware of common hazards and how to avoid them.
Knowing the potential hazards, and steps to prevent them can help you ensure your kids have a Halloween to remember!
7 Frightening Halloween Safety Stats Every New York Parent Should Know
Halloween is the most dangerous day of the year for child pedestrian accidents in the United States.
Our analysis of U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission data and other third-party data reveals disturbing trends that every parent keep in mind.
Halloween is a time of fun and fright, but lurking behind the costumes and candy are some chilling safety statistics that every parent should be aware of.
- Pedestrian Fatalities: Halloween is one of the most dangerous days for child pedestrians. Children are more than twice as likely to be hit and killed by a car on Halloween compared to any other day of the year. There are more than three times as many fatal child pedestrian accidents on Halloween as there are on an average day
- Peak Risk Hours: 60% of accidents occur between 5:00-9:00 PM. The most dangerous time for Halloween pedestrian fatalities is between 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., when sunset, rush hour, and prime trick-or-treating time converge
- Most Vulnerable Age Groups: Children between the ages of 4 and 8 are at a 10 times higher risk of pedestrian fatalities on Halloween.
- Drunk Driving: Approximately 23% of pedestrian fatalities on Halloween involve a drunk driver
- Toxic Exposure: Children have been poisoned by breaking open glow sticks and drinking the liquid inside them. Face paint can also contain lead and other toxic substances.
- Emergency Room Visits: Each year, approximately 3,200 people visit emergency rooms due to Halloween-related injuries.
- Injury Breakdown: Of Halloween-related injuries, 55% are caused by pumpkin carving, 25% are due to falls while trick-or-treating or hanging decorations, and 20% are miscellaneous injuries related to costumes, decorations, allergic reactions, and other causes
As you prepare for a night of trick-or-treating, these statistics can help parents better prepare for a safe Halloween.
Trick or Treating Safety Tips
Halloween should be fun, not frightening! As adults, we play a crucial role in ensuring the festive fun doesn't turn into a frightful mishap.
Whether you're out trick-or-treating with little ghouls or hosting a haunted bash, these safety tips will help you navigate the night safely while keeping the spirit of Halloween alive and well.
If you plan to hit the streets outside of a designated car-free zone, follow these tips to keep your little ghosts and goblins safe:
- Talk about safety: Before leaving the house, remind your kids about crossing streets safely—always at crosswalks and intersections.
- Daytime trick-or-treating: Consider going out earlier in the afternoon, or attend a Trick-or-Steet event. This is a growing trend in NYC, allowing kids to trick-or-treat safely in daylight.
- Supervision: Children under 12 should always be accompanied by an adult.
- Use flashlights and reflective gear: If trick-or-treating after dark, ensure children carry flashlights and wear reflective gear for better visibility.
- Stick to safe areas: Avoid uneven sidewalks and poorly lit streets, and always check for tripping hazards like stoops or steps.
- Inspect the candy: When you get home, examine your kids’ candy for any choking hazards or allergens, and discard anything unwrapped.
By prioritizing safety and awareness, Halloween can remain a fun and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
Hosting a Monster Mash in 2024? Party Hearty — but Safely
If you’re throwing a Halloween bash, safety should be a priority. Here’s how to make sure your party stays fun and accident-free:
- No alcohol for minors: Keep alcohol away from children and teens.
- Clear pathways: Remove tripping hazards, and keep sidewalks and entryways well-lit for guests.
- Pumpkin carving: Let kids draw on the pumpkins, but leave the carving to the adults.
- Clean up pumpkin residue: Carving can get messy, and leftover pumpkin bits can be slippery.
By planning ahead, you can ensure your party is memorable for all the right reasons.
Halloween Driving Safety Tips
With excited trick-or-treaters roaming the streets, drivers must be extra cautious.
Here are some essential safety tips for navigating the roads on Halloween:
- Stay alert: Watch for children crossing the street, especially after dark. 70% of fatal Halloween accidents happen when kids cross outside a crosswalk or intersection.
- Slow down: Drive at least 5 mph below the speed limit in residential areas.
- Careful at driveways: Be extra cautious when pulling in or out of driveways, where visibility is limited.
- Never drink and drive: Drunk driving is a major factor in pedestrian accidents on Halloween.
Know Your Rights: What to Do if an Accident Happens
If your child is injured while trick-or-treating due to unsafe property conditions or a vehicle accident, you may have grounds for compensation.
Here’s what to know:
Property Owner Liability
If a child is injured due to hazards like:
- Unsafe property conditions
- Inadequate lighting
- Loose railings or steps
- Aggressive pets
You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses and other damages.
Vehicle Accident Liability
Drivers have a heightened duty of care on Halloween.
If your child is injured by a vehicle, you may have claims against:
- The driver
- Vehicle owner
- Insurance companies
- Property owners (in cases involving parking lot accidents)
Have a Safe and Happy Halloween!
By staying aware of the potential dangers and following these safety tips, you can ensure your family has a Halloween filled with fun, laughter, and plenty of treats.
Remember, while we’re always here to help if an accident happens, our main goal is to help you avoid one. Save our contact information in your phone before heading out:
- Trick-or-Street Locations: Click here to view
- Emergency: 911
- Our 24/7 Accident Hotline: 212-268-3222
- NYC Poison Control: 212-764-7667
- NYPD Non-Emergency: 311
Wishing you and your little monsters a “boo-tiful” Halloween!
