Here's hoping for all treats and no tricks this Halloween! An estimated 74% of consumers plan to celebrate Halloween this year, according to the National Retail Federation, and 61% plan to hand out candy to trick-or-treaters on October 31. With millions of children and families expected to be out enjoying the festivities, Halloween will be a busy night on roads and sidewalks. Vehicle traffic, pedestrian activity, impaired-driving concerns, and even vandalism increase around Halloween, making extra caution essential for motorists, pedestrians, and partygoers alike.

"Halloween should be remembered for costumes and candy, not crashes or close calls," said Elizabeth Carey, Director of Public Affairs at AAA Western and Central New York. "A little extra caution behind the wheel, on foot or while celebrating can make a big difference. We encourage everyone to slow down, stay visible, and make responsible choices so the holiday remains fun and safe for all."

Pedestrian Safety

October is National Pedestrian Safety Month, making it the perfect time for drivers and pedestrians to review the rules of the road. The majority of pedestrian fatalities on Halloween occur after 6 p.m. and outside marked crosswalks.

Impaired Driving

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), from 2019 through 2024, on Halloween night (6 p.m. October 31 to 5:59 a.m. November 1):

• 201 people were killed in alcohol-related crashes involving at least one driver with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .01 or higher.
• 176 people were killed in crashes involving a drunk driver with a BAC of .08 or higher.
• More than half (54%) of people ages 21-34 killed in traffic crashes on Halloween night were involved in drunk-driving crashes.
• Victims in drunk-driving crashes included 31 pedestrians and 144 drivers and passengers.

AAA reminds partygoers to plan ahead before celebrating. Choose a designated driver, use a rideshare service, arrange a sober ride home, or use public transportation. Remember: Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving.

Beware of Vandals and Pranksters

Vandalism also tends to increase on Halloween night. Vehicles are nearly twice as likely to be vandalized on Halloween as on an average day. To reduce the risk:

• Park in a garage or well-lit area.
• Lock vehicle doors and roll up windows.
• Keep homes well-lit to deter vandals and provide safe passage for trick-or-treaters and guests.

Watch for Black Cats, Blind Spots, and Batman

Drivers should:

• Slow down in residential neighborhoods.
• Turn headlights on earlier in the evening.
• Watch for children crossing between parked vehicles.
• Be prepared to stop suddenly.
• Use the horn if necessary to alert distracted pedestrians.

Be Bright at Night

Trick-or-treaters need to be visible.

• Add reflective tape to costumes, bags and buckets.
• Carry a flashlight or glow stick.
• Avoid masks that obstruct vision.
• Wear costumes that fit properly to prevent trips and falls.

Light Up the Night

Homeowners can help improve safety by:

• Keeping porches, walkways and driveways well-lit.
• Removing tripping hazards from sidewalks and stairs.
• Clearing leaves, decorations and other debris from walking paths.

Beware the Brew

Hosting a Halloween gathering? Help guests get home safely by:

• Serving food and non-alcoholic beverages and stopping alcohol service at least one hour before the event ends.
• Encouraging guests to arrange transportation before they arrive.
• Never letting an impaired guest get behind the wheel.

Tips for Parents and Children

• Look left, right and left again. Stop before entering a roadway and check for traffic in both directions.
• Make eye contact with drivers. Never assume a driver has seen you.
• Make eye contact with bus drivers. Wait for acknowledgment before crossing near a school bus.
• Use your eyes and ears. Avoid headphones and handheld devices while crossing a street.
• Stay on sidewalks. Use marked crosswalks whenever possible.
• Never run into the street. Stop and look for traffic before retrieving a ball, toy or other object.

Tips for All Pedestrians

• Be visible. Wear light-colored or reflective clothing and stay in well-lit areas.
• Use sidewalks and pathways. If none are available, walk facing traffic.
• Beware of multiple lanes of traffic. One driver may stop while another continues through.
• Plan your route. Choose the safest crossings and avoid busy roadways when possible.
• Always look both ways. Even when crossing at a crosswalk.
• Wait for a fresh walk signal. Give yourself the maximum time to cross.
• Stay alert. Do not assume drivers will always follow traffic laws.

Tips for Drivers

• Be alert. Watch for pedestrians, especially children, who may be difficult to see.
• Follow posted speed limits. Slow down in neighborhoods and school zones.
• Avoid distractions. Put down your phone and stay focused on the road.
• Ensure visibility. Use headlights and signals properly, especially in poor lighting or bad weather.
• Use extra caution in driveways. Look carefully before pulling in or backing out.
• Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks. Reduce speed and be prepared to stop.
• Do not pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk. They may be yielding to a pedestrian you cannot see.