Halloween is around the corner and while many families are preparing decorations and costumes, far fewer have given thought to the potential dangers that lurk for children on October 31.  All parents and children should spend some time making themselves aware of the safety threats that exist for child pedestrians on Halloween.  Halloween is the most dangerous day of the year for children under the age of 18, with more child fatalities than even July 4th and New Year’s Day.

Recently, a group of researchers examined over four million records detailing the deaths of children between the ages of 0-18 on Halloween between the years of 1990 to 2010.  Each entry concerned a child that had died due to some sort of accident on Halloween.  The alarming findings of this research project are detailed below:

  • October 31 is the deadliest day for child pedestrian accidents:  In the years included in the study, 115 children were killed by drivers on Halloween.  This equals 5.5 child pedestrian fatalities on Halloween each year, which is double the average daily rate of 2.6 fatalities.
  • The deadliest hours:  Over 60 percent of all pedestrian accidents on Halloween occur during the four hour period between 5 and 9 p.m.  Nearly a quarter of all accidents occur between the hours of 6 and 7 p.m. alone.  This is perhaps surprising because it is still light outside during this period, but perhaps the sheer number of children out at this time contribute to the accident rate.
  • Stick to crosswalks and intersections:  The majority, 70 percent, of all child pedestrian accidents on October 31 occurred in the middle of the block and away from crosswalks and intersections.
  • Young drivers pose the greatest risk:  Younger drivers between the ages of 15 and 25 were most likely to kill child pedestrians on Halloween, causing one third of all such accidents.
  • Older drivers proved safest:  Drivers in their mid-thirties and those in their early sixties were least likely to hit child pedestrians on October 31.  These drivers likely took to the roadways on this holiday less frequently and exercised appropriate caution in keeping an eye out for young children.
  • Halloween fatalities are on the decline:  During each of the last six years of the study (2005-2010), there was a decrease in the number of Halloween child fatalities below the average of 5.5 deaths.  This could be an encouraging sign that more parents, drivers, and children are taking note of the dangers and taking action to correct them.  All parents and children should remain vigilant, however, as the risks persist.

Barrett Law PLLC: Mississippi Pedestrian Accident Attorneys Fighting for Justice for Any Child Who Has Been Injured or Killed in an Accident

The death or injury of a child in a senseless accident is tragic beyond words.  The Mississippi Pedestrian Accident Attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC hope all Mississippi children stay safe and have fun this Halloween.  We urge the parents of young children and older children to be aware of the substantial risks posed to child pedestrians on Halloween. While no one should fear the festive holiday of Halloween, and exercising the appropriate amount of caution will help to ensure your loved ones stay safe.  In the event that the unspeakable happens and your child is injured or killed in a pedestrian accident, the compassionate, dedicated, and zealous pedestrian accident attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC can help.  We will fight to see that your child receives the justice he or she deserves.  Call Barrett Law PLLC today at 1 (800) 707-9577 to schedule your free consultation to see how one of our experienced pedestrian accident attorneys can help you and your family.