Nighttime Halloween enjoyable presents heightened danger for youths

Trick-or-treating is one among Halloween’s favourite traditions, however the pleasure of the night time can rapidly result in accidents if households aren’t cautious.

Each yr, about 3,200 Halloween-related accidents are handled in U.S. emergency rooms, based on the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. And analysis in JAMA Pediatrics reveals that youngsters usually tend to be hit and killed by a automobile on Halloween than on every other day of the yr.

“It’s easy to get distracted when you’re seeing friends, looking at everyone’s costumes and admiring the decorations on the houses nearby,” stated Emmy Sasala, an damage prevention specialist at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital in Hershey, Pennsylvania. “And all that’s happening around dusk, when it’s dark out, a time of day when injuries are more common.”

Sasala shared her prime security suggestions for protecting youngsters protected whereas nonetheless having enjoyable this Halloween:

Avoid tripping hazards. Costumes which can be too lengthy or dishevelled can simply trigger falls. Hem hand-me-downs or do-it-yourself outfits so they do not drag on the bottom.

Skip the masks. “We recommend using non-toxic face paint instead of a mask because a mask can obscure vision and make a child more likely to trip and fall,” Sasala stated in a information launch.

Stay seen. Add reflective tape to costumes, give youngsters flashlights or select light-up deal with buckets so drivers can simply see them.

What’s extra, Sasala really helpful strolling your trick-or-treat route throughout sunlight hours a number of days early. Note driveways, intersections and crosswalks so your little one is aware of the place it is protected to stroll.

“Mid-street crossings are not as well lit, and drivers aren’t expecting people to cross there,” Sasala defined.

Children beneath 12 must be accompanied by an grownup, Sasala stated. Younger youngsters might not acknowledge hazard or decide automobile speeds precisely.

“Actively supervise,” Sasala added. “Don’t stay half a block back and let them go ahead of you. Walk up to the house with them or stay just a few steps behind.”

Even should you’re not trick-or-treating, examine your group’s trick-or-treat hours and drive fastidiously.

“Be on the lookout for kids crossing the road unpredictably or even being in the street at some point,” Sasala stated. “Drive extra slowly and carefully, limit any distractions in the car, and be really careful backing out of the driveway.”

Lastly, after trick-or-treating, type by means of sweet earlier than kiddos dig in. Watch for exhausting candies that pose choking dangers for youngsters beneath 3, and keep away from do-it-yourself or unwrapped treats that would include allergens or different hazards.

More info

Penn State Health Children’s Hospital has extra on pedestrian safety for kids.

SOURCE: Penn State Health, information launch, Oct. 15, 2025

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