Laced candy isn’t a Halloween threat to kids — drivers are. How to stay safe
Growing up, children are always told to not take candy from strangers.
Halloween, when children dress up in their costumes and go from street to street trick or treating, may be the only exception to this advice.
For parents, the possibility of a child being harmed is scarier than any skeleton or ghost costume. But, despite all the myths, it’s not drug-laced candy or sharp objects in trick-or-treating pails that parents need to worry about. The Washington Post reported in 2023 that laced Halloween candy is essentially non-existent and not a threat at all.
The biggest safety threat to children on Halloween is actually being hit by a vehicle. Children are twice as likely to be hit and killed by a car on Oct. 31, according to the Rosenbaum Injury Law firm. It’s the deadliest night of the year for child pedestrians, according to the Children’s Safety Network.
“We know many Texans, young and old, will be out celebrating Halloween this year,” Department of Public Safety Director Steven McCraw said. “We ask that you take some simple safety measures – like staying visible, traveling in groups and remaining alert – so that everyone is safe and Halloween remains an enjoyable night for all across the state.”
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The real threat to children on Halloween
Unsupervised children are the most at risk on Halloween. Rosenbaum Law also states that 32 percent of child fatalities on Halloween are kids between 12 and 15 years old. Twenty-three percent are kids between 5 and 8 years old. Most Halloween pedestrian fatalities also occur between 6 and 7 p.m. And approximately 23 percent of pedestrian fatalities on Halloween involve a drunk driver.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission breaks down Halloween-related injuries on its website. As of 2022, the safety organization estimated an average of 3,200 Halloween-related injuries were treated in U.S. hospital emergency rooms. Here’s the breakdown:
55 percent were from pumpkin carving
25 percent were due to falls while trick-or-treating, from costumes, or from hanging decor
20 percent were from miscellaneous situations like “lacerations, ingestions, and other injuries related to costumes, pumpkins, decorations, allergic reactions, and rashes.”
Of the above injuries, 46 percent were minors.
Halloween safety tips for children and families
Texas DPS compiled a Halloween safety guide to stay safe this year. Here are some tips on how to come home all in one piece on Oct. 31:
If the costume is a dark color, be sure to add reflective tape to help drivers see pedestrians at night.
Face paint is a better option than masks so children can have their full vision abilities.
No jay-walking. Always walk on sidewalks and be sure to utilize crosswalks.
It’s a good idea to bring flashlights, glow sticks or wearable lights to increase visibility.
Props and accessories should be soft and unable to do any harm.
Pre-determine a meet-up area before hitting the streets, just in case someone gets lost.
Stay in familiar neighborhoods and have adult supervision.
Only approach well-lit homes and never enter a strangers home or car for candy.
Children should know parent and guardian’s numbers as well as how to dial 911 in an emergency.
Have an adult inspect candy after trick or treating and never eat anything unwrapped.
Visit the Texas Public Sex Offender Registry, which includes a map of where the registered sex offenders reside in a given area.
Halloween safety tips for drivers
For those who drive on Halloween, Texas DPS suggests the following practices to ensure safety:
If you are drinking, make other arrangements to ensure there is no drinking and driving.
As a driver, don’t assume pedestrians are paying attention. Be aware of children crossing the street.
Everyone in the car should have their seat belt on.
Driving at a slower speed is smart considering the amount of children pedestrians and dark costumes that may blend into the night.
Neighborhoods and other trick or treat destinations should make drivers practice extra caution.
All distractions (especially mobile devices) should be put away. If the driver needs to follow a map, have the passenger assist.
Drive defensively with extra caution due to the holiday.
“Keep the Texas Roadside Assistance number stored in your phone. Dial 1-800-525-5555 for any type of assistance.” says Texas DPS. This number is also found on the back of a driver’s license.
