4 Frightening Facts on Halloween Safety
Halloween is supposed to be a scary and fun holiday for all ages. What is more fun than dressing up in a silly or scary costume? Or attending Halloween parties? It’s also a lot of fun to take the kids Trick-or-Treating. Who would pass up free candy?
But, this inherently spooky and fun holiday can also be scary for a number of other reasons. Most parents spend the other 364 days a year telling their children NOT to take candy from strangers, but for some reason on this holiday, we encourage it.
Even get excited about it. All of the exact same things that make Halloween so much fun — dressing up, partying, walking around in the dark — also make for some pretty frightening safety issues.
Here are some Halloween safety statistics you should “beware of”:
Frightening Fact #1: 44% of fatal crashes during Halloween weekend involve an impaired driver
Mixing and drinking all those cool, Halloween-themed cocktails can often be a recipe for disaster. Almost half of all fatal vehicle accidents near Halloween involve a driver that is under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Not so scary solution:
Whether you are hosting a Halloween party this year, or attending one, be sure to drink responsibly. Know your limit, and definitely do not get behind the wheel of your vehicle if you are intoxicated. Plan ahead with a designated driver you can depend on.
If you are the host of a Halloween party, keep an eye on your guests. While it certainly isn’t your responsibility to baby-sit a group of adults, you should hold yourself accountable for ensuring no one gets behind the wheel of their car while intoxicated.
Frightening Fact #2: Twice as many child pedestrians are killed on Halloween than any other day
Trick-or-treating is fun for children, but also dangerous. In fact, more child pedestrians are killed on Halloween night than any other day of the year. And less than 33% of parents require their children to carry a flashlight, or wear reflective tape on their costume.
Not so scary solution:
If you are the parent of a little one who is out trick-or-treating, make sure they are as visible as possible. Make sure your children are staying on sidewalks and practicing some general safety tips.
If you happen to be out driving on Halloween night in a neighborhood or area where there are trick-or-treaters, be alert. Be extra vigilant while driving. You may even want to drive a little slower than usual while in neighborhoods where you happen to see little ghouls and goblins trick-or-treating.
Frightening Fact #3: Less than one-third of parents discuss Halloween safety with their children
While the vast majority of parents will admit to having some safety concerns when it comes to their children and Halloween, less than one-third of parents actually take the time to discuss the importance of Halloween safety.
Not so scary solution:
Regardless of age, there are ways to discuss Halloween safety tips with your son or daughter—without taking all the fun out of the holiday.
Frightening Fact #4: 12% of children under age 5 are allowed to trick or treat alone
Okay, mind blown. Twelve percent of children under the age five are out trick-or-treating without an adult! This is scary in itself…
Not so scary solution:
Many would argue that any child under the age of thirteen should have adult supervision while being out on Halloween night. So, moms and dads, the solution to this one is simple: Make sure your son or daughter has adequate supervision while trick-or-treating.
No one wants to rain on your Halloween parade, but just like any other fun holiday or holiday activity, it is always best to have your fun responsibly. While having to make your child wear reflective tape, or carry a flashlight, or stay close to you while trick-or-treating may seem like a buzz kill, a tragic accident would certainly ruin everyone’s fun.
