26 Oct

5 Halloween Accident Statistics You Should Know & 5 Halloween Safety Tips For Children & Parents This Weekend

Florida Law Group Tips

Halloween tends to make law enforcement officers, medical professionals, and attorneys nervous because of the amount of accidents, injuries, and fatalities that take place on this night every year. In terms of holidays, it’s actually the deadliest for children. Due to the COVID-19 numbers in 2020, many families weren’t out visiting neighbors homes or handing out candy, but surveys show that they’re letting their guard down more this year. Because of the relaxed precautions, vaccination rates, current “low” case numbers, and general “return to normal activity” that Florida has experienced, we can expect this Halloween to look more like it has in years past, and that means that injury and fatality levels may increase – unless everyone takes intentional steps to stay safe!

Knowledge is power; you can’t avoid the dangers or help your children avoid them if you don’t know them yourself. To that end, here are 5 Halloween accident statistics that you should know & 5 Halloween safety tips for children & parents this weekend!

*Disclaimer – the following is not a substitute for legal advice.

5 Halloween Accident Statistics

1. Chidren are twice as likely to die on Halloween than they are to die on any other day of the year.

   This statistic comes from a State Farm study that analyzed nearly 4 million fatalities between 1990 and 2010. According to the Wall Street Journal, children are actually 3 times as likely to be fatally injured by a car, not just 2 times as likely, and the risk grows to 10 times for kids ages 4-8.

   Just because this statistic makes logical sense – more children and small children are out on the streets during Halloween, so it follows that there would be more accidents – does not mean that the numbers are not significant or that it is not still a tragedy. All of these accidents are preventable.

2. Halloween is more dangerous when it falls on a weekday.

   Autoinsurance.com conducted a study that analyzed 24 years worth of data provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Their findings indicated that weeknight Halloween holidays were much more dangerous for children and pedestrians in general than weekend Halloween holidays. Between 1994 to 2017, the number of fatal road accidents involving children jumped from 10-18 on the 18 times Halloween happened on a weeknight. In that same time frame, car crashes injuring or killing pedestrians increased by 55% when Halloween occured on a weekday.

   Fridays are the deadliest day of the week for Halloween to happen, according to that study and multiple others. Halloween is on a Sunday this year, but Sunday (being technically a “weeknight”) is one of the four most dangerous days for Halloween to fall on, so parents and children should still be on their guard.

3. Intoxicated driving is responsible for nearly half of all vehicle-related fatalities on Halloween night

   Data from the NHTSA shows that 44% of all crashes resulting in a fatality on Halloween night involved a drunk driver. Drunk driving accidents are actually three times more likely to occur on October 31st than on New Year’s Eve.

4. Most children pedestrian fatalities on Halloween happened between 6 and 7pm in the middle of the street.

   According to the State Farm study referenced earlier in this article, more than 25% of Halloween pedestrian deaths among kids occurred between 6pm and 7pm. Over 60% of the accidents occurred between 5pm and 9pm. More than 70% of the deaths occurred away from a crosswalk or intersection.

5. The biggest spike in ER visits for anaphylactic peanut and tree nut allergies is on Halloween.

   Kids are more likely to suffer from deadly allergic reactions on October 31st than any other holiday. The Canadian Medical Association Journal reviewed data to discover that peanut-trigger anaphylaxis jumped 85% on Halloween, while allergies triggered by unknown nuts jumped 60%. These reactions are serious and potentially fatal – in the United States, anaphylactic food reactions result in 30,000 ER visits and 150 deaths every single year.

5 Halloween Safety Tips For Children & Parents

1. Parents, stay with your children, and make them visible.

   Regardless of if your kid is a toddler or in the pre-teen phase, going trick or treating with your child – and staying close enough to watch for dangers – is one of the best ways to protect them from vehicles that can’t see them because of their height. Make sure that your children either have reflective tape on their costumes or that they carry a flashlight/glow stick. Even if the street seems clear and there are other trick or treaters on it, children shouldn’t be sprinting across the street, but using sidewalks or staying on the edge under close parental supervision.

2. Adults, have a transportation plan in place for parties, and drive with extra caution even if you do not plan on participating in any festivities.

   Perhaps one of the reasons that Halloween is one of the deadliest holidays for drunk driving accidents is because people don’t expect to get intoxicated. Halloween isn’t a typical “drinking” holiday – not like New Year’s, or the Fourth of July, for example – and so many people will arrive at parties unprepared for how much alcohol they’ll consume. They’ll think that they’re good to drive home, which is when tragedies occur. If you’re tipsy or buzzed or even a little bit under the influence of alcohol, your reaction times will be slower, which can be deadly if, for example, an excited child darts in front of your car, or you mistake a child’s costume for an inanimate object. There’s no excuse to get behind the wheel drunk.

   Even if you’re completely sober, and even if you’re not even planning on going out accidents can still occur. Children are smaller than many vehicles’ line of sight and they will be out and about in your neighborhood this Sunday. It’s telling that the most dangerous hour of Halloween is between 6 and 7, and that many adults return home from work around that time (although, as Halloween is on a Sunday this year, hopefully that number will decrease). Drive extra carefully if you are going out or coming home, and be sure to minimize distractions such as your phone or radio.

3. Read the labels on candies carefully.

   If your child has any food allergies, or if they are young and have not yet been exposed to a variety of foods, check what they’re eating before you let them consume it. Don’t take a chance on a new food unless you’re at home and have the EpiPen closeby, and even then something new and unknown may not be worth the risk. Consider making treats at home to enjoy, or still going trick or treating but “donating” the candy to other neighborhood children!

4. Prevent costumes from tripping children or obstructing their vision.

   According to the Consumer Product Safety Commision, tripping/falling accounts for the second highest number of Halloween injuries. If you’re expecting trick or treaters, keep your lawn free from obstructions or clearly mark them. If you are taking your children trick or treating, make sure that their costumes don’t drag on the ground and create a tripping hazard, and that they can have full range of vision out of any masks they are wearing.

5. Be careful when carving pumpkins.

   Tripping and falling is responsible for the second highest number of Halloween injuries; pumpkin carving is responsible for the first highest. Out of an estimated 4,500 Halloween-related injuries reported in 2017, over 41% were due to a pumpkin carving incident. Don’t use sharp knives to carve pumpkins, but only what comes in the kits; carve in a well-lit area; and supervise your children so they are not carving alone.

The Florida Law Group is wishing that everyone has a safe and fun Halloween holiday. If you or your child is injured in an accident, however, please call our office immediately to request a free consultation and learn about how we can help you get justice.

Halloween tends to make law enforcement officers, medical professionals, and attorneys nervous because of the amount of accidents, injuries, and fatalities that take place on this night every year. In terms of holidays, it’s actually the deadliest for children. Due to the COVID-19 numbers in 2020, many families weren’t out visiting neighbors homes or handing out candy, but surveys show that they’re letting their guard down more this year. Because of the relaxed precautions, vaccination rates, current “low” case numbers, and general “return to normal activity” that Florida has experienced, we can expect this Halloween to look more like it has in years past, and that means that injury and fatality levels may increase – unless everyone takes intentional steps to stay safe!

Knowledge is power; you can’t avoid the dangers or help your children avoid them if you don’t know them yourself. To that end, here are 5 Halloween accident statistics that you should know & 5 Halloween safety tips for children & parents this weekend!

*Disclaimer – the following is not a substitute for legal advice.

5 Halloween Accident Statistics

1. Chidren are twice as likely to die on Halloween than they are to die on any other day of the year.

   This statistic comes from a State Farm study that analyzed nearly 4 million fatalities between 1990 and 2010. According to the Wall Street Journal, children are actually 3 times as likely to be fatally injured by a car, not just 2 times as likely, and the risk grows to 10 times for kids ages 4-8.

   Just because this statistic makes logical sense – more children and small children are out on the streets during Halloween, so it follows that there would be more accidents – does not mean that the numbers are not significant or that it is not still a tragedy. All of these accidents are preventable.

2. Halloween is more dangerous when it falls on a weekday.

   Autoinsurance.com conducted a study that analyzed 24 years worth of data provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Their findings indicated that weeknight Halloween holidays were much more dangerous for children and pedestrians in general than weekend Halloween holidays. Between 1994 to 2017, the number of fatal road accidents involving children jumped from 10-18 on the 18 times Halloween happened on a weeknight. In that same time frame, car crashes injuring or killing pedestrians increased by 55% when Halloween occured on a weekday.

   Fridays are the deadliest day of the week for Halloween to happen, according to that study and multiple others. Halloween is on a Sunday this year, but Sunday (being technically a “weeknight”) is one of the four most dangerous days for Halloween to fall on, so parents and children should still be on their guard.

3. Intoxicated driving is responsible for nearly half of all vehicle-related fatalities on Halloween night

   Data from the NHTSA shows that 44% of all crashes resulting in a fatality on Halloween night involved a drunk driver. Drunk driving accidents are actually three times more likely to occur on October 31st than on New Year’s Eve.

4. Most children pedestrian fatalities on Halloween happened between 6 and 7pm in the middle of the street.

   According to the State Farm study referenced earlier in this article, more than 25% of Halloween pedestrian deaths among kids occurred between 6pm and 7pm. Over 60% of the accidents occurred between 5pm and 9pm. More than 70% of the deaths occurred away from a crosswalk or intersection.

5. The biggest spike in ER visits for anaphylactic peanut and tree nut allergies is on Halloween.

   Kids are more likely to suffer from deadly allergic reactions on October 31st than any other holiday. The Canadian Medical Association Journal reviewed data to discover that peanut-trigger anaphylaxis jumped 85% on Halloween, while allergies triggered by unknown nuts jumped 60%. These reactions are serious and potentially fatal – in the United States, anaphylactic food reactions result in 30,000 ER visits and 150 deaths every single year.

5 Halloween Safety Tips For Children & Parents

1. Parents, stay with your children, and make them visible.

   Regardless of if your kid is a toddler or in the pre-teen phase, going trick or treating with your child – and staying close enough to watch for dangers – is one of the best ways to protect them from vehicles that can’t see them because of their height. Make sure that your children either have reflective tape on their costumes or that they carry a flashlight/glow stick. Even if the street seems clear and there are other trick or treaters on it, children shouldn’t be sprinting across the street, but using sidewalks or staying on the edge under close parental supervision.

2. Adults, have a transportation plan in place for parties, and drive with extra caution even if you do not plan on participating in any festivities.

   Perhaps one of the reasons that Halloween is one of the deadliest holidays for drunk driving accidents is because people don’t expect to get intoxicated. Halloween isn’t a typical “drinking” holiday – not like New Year’s, or the Fourth of July, for example – and so many people will arrive at parties unprepared for how much alcohol they’ll consume. They’ll think that they’re good to drive home, which is when tragedies occur. If you’re tipsy or buzzed or even a little bit under the influence of alcohol, your reaction times will be slower, which can be deadly if, for example, an excited child darts in front of your car, or you mistake a child’s costume for an inanimate object. There’s no excuse to get behind the wheel drunk.

   Even if you’re completely sober, and even if you’re not even planning on going out accidents can still occur. Children are smaller than many vehicles’ line of sight and they will be out and about in your neighborhood this Sunday. It’s telling that the most dangerous hour of Halloween is between 6 and 7, and that many adults return home from work around that time (although, as Halloween is on a Sunday this year, hopefully that number will decrease). Drive extra carefully if you are going out or coming home, and be sure to minimize distractions such as your phone or radio.

3. Read the labels on candies carefully.

   If your child has any food allergies, or if they are young and have not yet been exposed to a variety of foods, check what they’re eating before you let them consume it. Don’t take a chance on a new food unless you’re at home and have the EpiPen closeby, and even then something new and unknown may not be worth the risk. Consider making treats at home to enjoy, or still going trick or treating but “donating” the candy to other neighborhood children!

4. Prevent costumes from tripping children or obstructing their vision.

   According to the Consumer Product Safety Commision, tripping/falling accounts for the second highest number of Halloween injuries. If you’re expecting trick or treaters, keep your lawn free from obstructions or clearly mark them. If you are taking your children trick or treating, make sure that their costumes don’t drag on the ground and create a tripping hazard, and that they can have full range of vision out of any masks they are wearing.

5. Be careful when carving pumpkins.

   Tripping and falling is responsible for the second highest number of Halloween injuries; pumpkin carving is responsible for the first highest. Out of an estimated 4,500 Halloween-related injuries reported in 2017, over 41% were due to a pumpkin carving incident. Don’t use sharp knives to carve pumpkins, but only what comes in the kits; carve in a well-lit area; and supervise your children so they are not carving alone.

The Florida Law Group is wishing that everyone has a safe and fun Halloween holiday. If you or your child is injured in an accident, however, please call our office immediately to request a free consultation and learn about how we can help you get justice.

Chidren are twice as likely to die on Halloween than they are to die on any other day of the year.

This statistic comes from a State Farm study that analyzed nearly 4 million fatalities between 1990 and 2010. According to the Wall Street Journal, children are actually 3 times as likely to be fatally injured by a car, not just 2 times as likely, and the risk grows to 10 times for kids ages 4-8.

Just because this statistic makes logical sense – more children and small children are out on the streets during Halloween, so it follows that there would be more accidents – does not mean that the numbers are not significant or that it is not still a tragedy. All of these accidents are preventable.

Halloween is more dangerous when it falls on a weekday.

Autoinsurance.com conducted a study that analyzed 24 years worth of data provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Their findings indicated that weeknight Halloween holidays were much more dangerous for children and pedestrians in general than weekend Halloween holidays. Between 1994 to 2017, the number of fatal road accidents involving children jumped from 10-18 on the 18 times Halloween happened on a weeknight. In that same time frame, car crashes injuring or killing pedestrians increased by 55% when Halloween occured on a weekday.

Fridays are the deadliest day of the week for Halloween to happen, according to that study and multiple others. Halloween is on a Sunday this year, but Sunday (being technically a “weeknight”) is one of the four most dangerous days for Halloween to fall on, so parents and children should still be on their guard.

Adults, have a transportation plan in place for parties, and drive with extra caution even if you do not plan on participating in any festivities.

Perhaps one of the reasons that Halloween is one of the deadliest holidays for drunk driving accidents is because people don’t expect to get intoxicated. Halloween isn’t a typical “drinking” holiday – not like New Year’s, or the Fourth of July, for example – and so many people will arrive at parties unprepared for how much alcohol they’ll consume. They’ll think that they’re good to drive home, which is when tragedies occur. If you’re tipsy or buzzed or even a little bit under the influence of alcohol, your reaction times will be slower, which can be deadly if, for example, an excited child darts in front of your car, or you mistake a child’s costume for an inanimate object. There’s no excuse to get behind the wheel drunk.

Even if you’re completely sober, and even if you’re not even planning on going out accidents can still occur. Children are smaller than many vehicles’ line of sight and they will be out and about in your neighborhood this Sunday. It’s telling that the most dangerous hour of Halloween is between 6 and 7, and that many adults return home from work around that time (although, as Halloween is on a Sunday this year, hopefully that number will decrease). Drive extra carefully if you are going out or coming home, and be sure to minimize distractions such as your phone or radio.