Last Halloween evening, I was coming out of the local donut shop with a box of pumpkin-shaped donuts when two little witches suddenly ran out right in front of my car. My heart sank as I slammed on the brakes.

The kids were wearing black capes and black hats. If it hadn't been under the streetlight, I really wouldn't have seen them.

Behind me, their mom was rushing after them, waving her hands apologetically, but I just sat there gripping the steering wheel for a while. The box of donuts had rolled onto the passenger floor.

Since that day, I became curious and did some research. It turns out there are solid studies showing that Halloween night is indeed a dangerous time for pedestrians.

A representative study published in JAMA Pediatrics in 2018 was conducted by researchers from the University of British Columbia. The research team analyzed fatal accident data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) from 1975 to 2016.

The comparison method was straightforward. They compared the time from 5 PM to midnight on Halloween with the same day and time one week before and one week after.

The results showed that the risk of pedestrians being struck and killed by a vehicle on Halloween night was 43% higher. Honestly, I was a bit shocked when I saw the numbers.

Even more shocking was the statistic for children aged 4 to 8. This age group had a pedestrian fatality risk on Halloween night that was ten times higher than usual.

When I think about why this age group is particularly at risk, the answer becomes clear. They are small enough to be hidden behind parked cars and get so excited about candy that they run without looking.

The reasons identified by the research team are similar. Dark clothing, a festive atmosphere, and alcohol consumption all contribute to the danger.

The issue of alcohol is also confirmed by NHTSA data. From 2012 to 2016, 44% of traffic fatalities on Halloween night involved a drunk driver.

Halloween is also a party night for adults. The overlap between the times children are out walking and when parties are ending is problematic.

Costumes can also be surprisingly dangerous. Masks can obstruct vision, preventing kids from seeing cars coming from the side.

Moreover, many kids' costumes these days are long and flowing. They might trip over their capes or stop in the middle of the street to adjust them.

That's why organizations like Safe Kids Worldwide recommend face painting instead of masks. I completely agree; it also makes for cuter photos.

Take a look at this year's calendar too. Halloween 2026 falls on a Saturday.

On weekends, kids are likely to be out longer and earlier. Parties can also go late into the night.

Additionally, daylight saving time ends the following day, on November 1st. So, it's good to remember that Halloween day is still under daylight saving time.

Now, here are some tips I've put together from a driver's perspective. First, always drive slowly in residential areas.

Kids can suddenly change direction right in the middle of the street. You need to be especially alert at intersections, medians, and curbs.

Second, be very careful when backing out of driveways. Shorter kids may not be visible on the rear camera until it's too late.

Third, keep your phone out of reach. A kid could dart out while you're just glancing at your GPS. Lowering the music volume a bit can also help you hear kids talking outside.

Fourth, turn on your headlights early as dusk approaches. It's important not only for you to see but also for kids to see you.

Fifth, if you're going to a party, decide in advance who will be the designated driver. The thought of "one drink should be fine" is the scariest. If you're unsure, it's better to leave the car and call an Uber or Lyft.

If you're taking kids out, make sure to bring reflective tape and glow bracelets. Giving them a flashlight can also be very effective.

Teach them to cross at corners or crosswalks and to make eye contact with drivers before crossing. Safe Kids recommends that children under 12 should walk with an adult.

Planning your route through well-lit neighborhoods and familiar streets is also a good idea. There's no need to venture into dark alleys just to collect a few more pieces of candy.

These days, there are many trunk-or-treat events held in church or school parking lots. These are safe spaces where kids can collect candy without cars around, making it a good option for families with young children.

The research team emphasizes that it's not just about individual caution but also the need for road design and policy improvements. I agree; the numbers are too heavy to rely solely on the goodwill of drivers each year.

Still, what we can do right now is to slow down. On that night, no one will mind if you arrive five minutes late. In fact, parents will likely appreciate seeing a car driving slowly.

This year for Halloween, I'm planning to buy donuts in the afternoon and try to avoid driving after dark. If I have to go out, I'll take the long way around residential areas and stick to main roads.

I hope that the sweet smell of candy-filled nights doesn't become a scary memory for anyone. Let's all take it slow and be careful this year.