Who wouldn’t be excited for Halloween? For most people, it is a day for celebration, especially for kids dressed in creative costumes going trick-or-treating. However, as the festive atmosphere takes over neighborhoods across Arizona, a darker side of the evening lurks in the shadows. Here’s the chilling truth: Halloween has become one of the most dangerous nights for Arizona pedestrians. Sadly, the state has seen a troubling rise in traffic-related fatalities during this time of the year.

Pedestrian accidents on Halloween are not a new phenomenon. Over the years, Halloween night has always posed risks. Often it is due to the combination of heavy foot traffic and higher volumes of cars on the road. 

In Arizona, the wide suburban layout of many cities like Phoenix and Tucson exacerbates the problem. Some streets can be dimly lit, and speed limits are often higher than in more urbanized areas. This is why traffic safety organizations have consistently identified Halloween as one of the most dangerous nights for pedestrians, with children being the most vulnerable.

While Halloween traditions have been around for centuries, the modern-day celebration involves more people traveling by foot than ever before. Combine that with:

• Distracted driving
• Alcohol consumption by adults
• Festivities taking place after dark

Therefore, aside from children, teens and adults who walk around neighborhoods are also at risk.

Shocking Statistics in Arizona

According to a report by the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), pedestrian fatalities have been steadily increasing across the state. Halloween night is a particular cause for some of these accidents. In 2023 alone, Arizona saw more than 271 pedestrian fatalities, one of the highest rates in the nation per capita. Nationwide, studies show that children are twice as likely to be hit by a car on Halloween compared to any other day of the year.

The problem is far worse in larger metropolitan areas. Phoenix, for example, experiences some of the highest rates of pedestrian fatalities on Halloween, partly due to its sprawling road network and a lack of pedestrian-friendly infrastructure in some neighborhoods. The National Safety Council (NSC) also points out that from 2017 to 2022, October ranked among the top months for pedestrian fatalities in the U.S. In fact, that aligns with the dangers of Halloween night in Arizona. It is the same month where pedestrian crashes peak between 6pm to 7pm. 

Costume Visibility and Nighttime Hazards

Poor visibility is one of the causes of pedestrian accidents during Halloween, both for drivers and pedestrians. Costumes, while fun and creative, often lack bright colors or reflective materials. This makes it difficult for drivers to see trick-or-treaters in the dark. Many Halloween costumes are made from black or dark-colored fabrics. Those designed to look like dark or spooky characters blend into the shadows, especially on streets with limited lighting. Moreover, masks and other costume accessories can also limit a child’s peripheral vision. So, it can be harder for kids to see approaching vehicles.

In Arizona, where daylight fades quickly in late October, Halloween activities often begin just as visibility decreases. Thus, with fewer hours of daylight and more shadows in suburban neighborhoods, both children and drivers are at higher risk of not seeing one another. The lack of sidewalks in some areas only heightens the danger.  Young children may be walking along the road’s edge or crossing streets haphazardly, adding another layer of risk.

What Local Authorities Are Saying

The Phoenix Police Department, along with other law enforcement agencies, often increases patrols on Halloween night to monitor traffic and ensure pedestrian safety. In 2023, the Arizona Department of Public Safety launched an awareness campaign specifically targeting Halloween pedestrian safety. It emphasizes the dangers of crossing the road without reflective clothing or proper lighting.

“At Halloween, our emergency departments see everything from burns, to cuts, to kids falling. But the big thing is that we have an increase in pedestrian injuries, so many kids are hit by cars on Halloween night,’’ an injury prevention coordinator said in a statement. Therefore, everyone must take these necessary precautions:

• Drivers must slow down when traversing neighborhoods.
• Pedestrians should ensure their visibility on the roads and sidewalks.
• Families should incorporate reflective gear into their costumes.
• Pedestrians must observe incoming traffic and use crosswalks. 

Local organizations like the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety also emphasize the importance of slowing down in residential areas. They encourage drivers to take extra precautions. Driving at or below the speed limit is a must in neighborhoods where children are likely to be trick-or-treating.

Safety Tips for Arizona Pedestrians and Drivers

While Halloween presents an inherent risk to pedestrians, especially in Arizona, there are several precautions both pedestrians and drivers can take to minimize danger:

1. Increase Visibility: Ensure that costumes include some form of reflective material or carry glow sticks or flashlights. Even small additions can make a big difference in how visible a child is to an oncoming vehicle.
2. Plan Your Route: Stay in well-lit areas and cross streets at designated crosswalks. Parents should accompany younger children. Also, remind the kids of basic pedestrian safety rules. For example, look both ways before crossing. Also, walk and not run across the street.
3. Avoid Distractions: Drivers should avoid distractions such as texting or using their phones while driving through residential areas. In the same way, pedestrians should also avoid distractions like using smartphones while crossing the Arizona streets.
4. Slower Speeds Save Lives: Drivers should slow down in neighborhoods where trick-or-treaters are likely to be present, even below the posted speed limit. Children can be unpredictable and may dart out into the road unexpectedly. Thus, slower speeds provide more reaction time.
5. Limit Alcohol Consumption: For adults, Halloween often involves parties where alcohol is served. Therefore, arrange for a sober driver or use ride-sharing services if you plan on drinking.
6. Stay Together: Parents should always ensure that younger children stay in groups. They should also be accompanied by a responsible adult. Trick-or-treaters traveling in groups are more visible and safer.

Halloween should be a night of fun and celebration, but pedestrians should be aware of the risks. Pedestrians who got hit by a car on Halloween should think about getting a pedestrian accident lawyer. An attorney can help determine who was at fault, deal with the insurance companies, and obtain compensation for the victim’s injuries and damages.