Halloween Safety Guide

Tips to help kids, drivers, and homeowners avoid a real scare.

Published August 31, 2026

People on a Halloween decorated doorstep.

For all the fun it brings as a child, Halloween can be an annual occasion of anxiety for parents and homeowners. And for good reason: Oct. 31 has a higher risk of pedestrian fatalities than any other day of the year, and insurance companies consistently report a significant spike in vandalism claims each Halloween. The causes are various (unsafe driving, unsupervised trick-or-treaters, pranksters taking advantage of empty homes, etc.), but the prevention strategies are straightforward.

No matter how your family spends the holiday, follow these safety tips to avoid becoming part of the unfortunate statistics associated with Halloween.

Safety Tips for Trick-or-Treaters

According to 42 years of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (as presented in a 2019 study), the risk of pedestrian fatalities on Halloween is 43% higher than any other evening in the U.S. Most tragically, the study showed that children aged between 4 and 8 years old are 10 times more likely to be hit by a car on Halloween than any other day.

If your children are trick-or-treating this year, be sure to enforce these safety rules while you go door to door.

Be visible. Reflective strips, neon glow sticks, flashlights, or lighted costume accessories are first and foremost to reveal yourself to drivers. Never assume a driver sees you.
Be aware of the time. In the aforementioned study, researchers found that 6 p.m. was the most dangerous time for pedestrian fatalities on Halloween. Be extra vigilant during this time.
Stay by the adults. Youngsters should always be chaperoned while trick-or-treating. While on the sidewalk, adults should walk between the child and the road to prevent impulsive running or wandering.
Stick to lighted areas and use the sidewalk. Avoid streets where no sidewalks are available. Only trick-or-treat in neighborhoods with streetlamps and avoid houses on main roads with heavier traffic.

Driving Safety Tips on Halloween

Trick-or-treating traditionally starts during rush hour, meaning if Halloween is on a weekday, the roads will be busy while children are getting ready to go out. If you’re driving this Halloween, follow these tips (and share them with your friends and coworkers) to help keep any trick-or-treaters you pass on the road safe.

Assume children will be distracted. Drive slowly and cautiously and expect the children’s excitement to override their common sense. Never assume trick-or-treaters see your vehicle.
Look for trick-or-treaters everywhere. It might sound paranoid, but if you’re only looking for pedestrians at crosswalks, you won’t see the erratic trick-or-treaters darting across the street.
Turn your headlights on early. Even if it’s not dark out, bright headlights will enhance your visibility to pedestrians.
Be patient at intersections. You should always be making complete stops at stop signs, but today it’s especially important. Drive extra slow around all intersections and around crosswalks.

Home Security Tips on Halloween

Call it an opportune day for mischief if you like, but there’s no denying that certain crime rates spike on Halloween. Most notably, vandalism: Some insurance companies have reported a nearly 70% increase in vandalism claims on Halloween. Scare off potential vandals with these home security hacks.

Install home cameras and motion-detector lights. A smart doorbell, floodlights that trigger when someone is on your driveway, and other home security devices are solid ways to deter trespassers (or catch them in the act).
Don’t advertise that you’re not home. A bucket of candy on your doorstep with a note that says, “We’re out trick-or-treating; help yourself,” is thoughtful, but it’s a target for hooligans who now know your home is fair game.

Need a little extra peace of mind this Halloween? Consult our guide to decorating your home safely and spookily, giant skeletons and all.