Keep Kids Safe On Halloween and Avoid Scary Dangers

To keep your kids safe on Halloween, make sure they understand the importance of following all safety rules. Walk only on sidewalks and cross streets only at intersections. Plan the Halloween route in advance and make sure your children, no matter their age, stick to it. Bring along a flashlight or glow stick and wear reflective strips on costumes. Kids should stay in groups and never trick-or-treat alone. Following these tips can prevent accidents and ensure a fun, safe night.

The safest Halloween costumes are flame-resistant. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises parents to purchase only flame-resistant costumes, wigs, and accessories. Costumes should allow for easy movement and should not obstruct the child’s vision. Masks should be designed so children can clearly see out of them to avoid falls or other injuries. Add reflective strips to costumes so children can be seen by drivers, especially in dark or dimly lit areas while trick-or-treating.

The U.S. Food & Drug Administration recommends that parents instruct children not to accept or eat any Halloween candy or treat that is not commercially wrapped. Throw away any suspicious-looking treats. This reduces the risk of contamination or tampering. Teach kids to bring all candy home for inspection before eating it. Parents should look closely at the packaging, smell, and condition of the treats to ensure nothing seems off. Safe candy habits can help avoid serious health risks.

Yes, Halloween is especially dangerous for children walking near traffic. Attorney John Leighton shares that data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows nearly 60 percent of Halloween highway fatalities involve impaired drivers. Children are twice as likely to be killed by a car on Halloween night. The excitement, dark costumes, and nighttime conditions all contribute to reduced visibility. Parents must ensure kids stay on sidewalks, wear reflective items, and are always supervised.

Crime does increase on Halloween night. The Huffington Post reported that between 2006 and 2009, the crime rate in and around Boston increased by 50 percent on Halloween compared to any other date throughout the year. Crimes using weapons also increased by 50 percent. These dangers aren’t just spooky stories—they’re real risks. It’s important to stay alert, trick-or-treat in groups, and avoid isolated or unfamiliar areas. Safety planning can protect families from becoming Halloween crime statistics.

Children should only wear masks that they can clearly see out of. Masks that limit vision can lead to falls or other injuries. The American Academy of Pediatrics highlights the importance of choosing safe costume accessories, including masks. If visibility is reduced, children may trip on uneven surfaces, walk into traffic, or become disoriented. For better safety, use face paint instead of full-face masks. This allows for more comfortable movement and ensures your child stays safe while celebrating.

The most important Halloween safety tips include planning the route, sticking to sidewalks, and staying in groups. Costumes and accessories should be flame-resistant. Masks must allow clear vision. The FDA advises against eating any treat that isn’t commercially wrapped. Carry flashlights or glow sticks and wear reflective strips for visibility. Avoid petting animals during trick-or-treating. And above all, never allow children to go alone. Following these tips helps ensure a safe and enjoyable Halloween experience for everyone.

John Leighton, Esq., is a board-certified personal injury trial lawyer and the managing partner of Leighton Panoff Law, with offices in Miami and Orlando. He represents seriously injured victims of negligence, sexual abuse, medical malpractice, violent crime, defective products, and resort, travel, and vacation accidents. His lifelong passion is helping people who have experienced the worst events in their lives. With decades of experience, he is dedicated to achieving justice for his clients.