AAA warns that children are more than twice as likely to be struck and killed by a vehicle on Halloween than any other day of the year, and this year’s Saturday night timing increases the danger.
Why the Risk is Higher This Year
- Saturday night Halloween means more people out after dark, including trick-or-treaters, party-goers, and teens on bikes or e-scooters.
- Peak trick-or-treating hours: Typically in Michigan 5:30–9:30 p.m. after sunset throughout Michigan. While in Chesterfield Township, trick or treat hours run from 6:00PM to 8:00PM
- Data: Safe Kids Worldwide reports children are over twice as likely to be fatally struck on Halloween than any other day.
- Alcohol factor: NHTSA found 201 people died in alcohol-related Halloween crashes from 2020–2024.
AAA’s Safety Tips for Drivers
- Slow down in neighborhoods; children may step into streets unexpectedly.
- Scan carefully at intersections, medians, curbs, driveways, and alleys.
- Back up slowly and check around your vehicle before moving.
- Eliminate distractions: put phones away.
- Use headlights early and watch for pedestrians, cyclists, and e-ride users.
- Never drive impaired: arrange a safe ride if celebrating.
AAA’s Safety Tips for Trick-or-Treaters & Parents
- Make costumes visible: add reflective tape or stickers; give kids flashlights or glow sticks.
- Choose safe costumes: fit properly, don’t block vision.
- Cross safely: use sidewalks and crosswalks, look left-right-left before crossing.
- Avoid distractions: no phones or earbuds while walking.
- Supervise under 12: always with an adult.
- Have children carry emergency information or a phone number to contact.
Key Takeaway
Halloween’s mix of low light, high pedestrian activity, and distracted or impaired drivers makes it one of the deadliest nights for children. AAA urges both motorists and families to slow down, be visible, and stay alert to prevent tragedies.