Ah, Halloween. The one night of the year when kids roam the streets dressed like miniature superheroes, goblins, and princesses in pursuit of their next sugar high. It’s all fun and games until someone almost walks in front of your car.

Halloween is, unfortunately, one of the most dangerous nights for pedestrians, especially children. But fear not! With a little extra diligence and some common-sense driving tips, we can keep the ghosts and ghouls safe. Here’s how to make sure your driving doesn’t become the scariest thing on Halloween.

Take It Slow and Steady

If there’s one rule to keep in mind this Halloween, it’s to SLOW DOWN. Halloween isn’t the night for testing your car’s 0-60 acceleration. Speed limits are there for a reason, but on Halloween, consider driving 5-10 mph slower than usual in residential areas. Kids are unpredictable, and their costumes often obstruct their vision, meaning they may dart out onto the road without looking.

Slowing down gives you extra time to react and gives parents less reason to glare at you from the sidewalk as their little ghosts and goblins run around. Even quick stops can be catastrophic at higher speeds, especially with the sheer number of kids who might be out and about.

Pro Tip? Keep your foot hovering over the brake pedal if you’re driving through especially crowded neighborhoods. Reaction time matters.

Avoid Distractions Like the Plague

Your phone can wait, your playlist doesn’t need tweaking, and that podcast epilogue isn’t going anywhere. Distracted driving on Halloween is a one-way ticket to disaster. Taking your eyes off the road for even two seconds to grab your drink or check a text means you’re not looking for the Captain America who’s wandering across the street.

Make a pact with yourself (or your passengers) to be completely present. No texting, no selfies at the wheel, and ideally no makeup touch-ups for those going from one Halloween party to the next. Keep your focus on the road and your surroundings. After all, you’re not just steering 4,000 pounds of metal down the street; you’re in charge of the safety of everyone around you.

Always Expect the Unexpected

Halloween is a bit like improv night for kids. They forget crosswalks exist, move in unpredictable ways, and have candy-fueled energy levels that keep them running longer than their bedtime would suggest. What does this mean for drivers? You need to prepare for the unexpected.

Kids might dart out between parked cars or decide the shortest distance between two houses is a diagonal sprint across the road. Be hyper-aware, especially in densely-decorated neighborhoods where excitement (and foot traffic) will be at its peak. The smaller ones in dark ninja suits might be especially hard to spot, so keep your headlights on, even during the twilight hour.

Sharp turns and driveways deserve extra caution as well. Take them slowly and make liberal use of your mirrors. Just because you’re driving doesn’t mean people will notice your car amidst the Halloween hustle and bustle. Stay alert!

Hurt Nobody by Helping Visibility

Here’s a little secret about Halloween costumes: they’re not designed with safety in mind. Kids love elaborate disguises, but those full-body dinosaur outfits don’t come with reflective tape or flashing lights. That’s where you, the responsible Halloween-friendly driver, come in. Visibility is your most powerful tool.

Turn on your headlights as soon as dusk begins to settle, even if there’s still light outside. It helps others see you and gives your eyes a better chance to catch any tiny pedestrians who might suddenly appear. Likewise, keep those windows clean. Smudged glass can create glares and reduce visibility when it matters most.

You’ll also want to be mindful of dark, shadowy driveways or dimly-lit streets. Turn on your full lights if you’re in a safe location or especially isolated area. And if the streets are filled with decorations, enjoy the view… from your parked car.

Make It a Point to Watch for Crosswalk Chaos

Crosswalks, where they exist, should be sacred ground this Halloween. But here’s the thing about kids hyped up on costumes and candy excitement, not all of them remember to use them. Some might dash right into traffic, while others will stop smack in the middle of an intersection to adjust their princess crown. Spoiler alert? It’s your job as a driver to predict this kind of behavior.

Don’t assume the roads are clear just because one side of the crosswalk appears empty. Always check (and recheck) before proceeding through intersections or turning onto different streets. If someone’s stopped at a crosswalk waiting to move, be extra cautious; younger kids may be trailing behind.

To stay truly prepared, mentally map out your route before driving it. Are you headed toward a highly foot-trafficked neighborhood? Double your awareness and patience. Adding a few minutes to your arrival time is worth avoiding a close call or worse.

A Handy Halloween Driving Survival Guide

Here’s a quick roundup of Halloween street-smarts to keep you (and the kids) safe while you’re out and about:

  • Slow down. Don’t drive above the posted speed limits, especially in residential areas.
  • Stay alert. Distractions and Halloween don’t mix. Keep your eyes on the road at all times.
  • Turn on your lights. Brighten your headlights early to enhance visibility for everyone.
  • Plan your route. Know which neighborhoods might have the highest pedestrian traffic and drive cautiously.
  • Use extra caution around crosswalks and intersections. Assume someone will dart out at the last second.

Halloween requires more than your usual amount of awareness and care on the road. The extra effort you put in will be well worth it knowing kids, parents, and other drivers benefit from your attention to detail.

Why Safety Matters Most

It’s easy to dismiss Halloween as just another night, but the statistics tell a different story. Studies consistently show that Halloween night sees a significant spike in pedestrian accidents, especially involving children. Trick-or-treaters don’t always worry about cars or rules of the road when candy is on the line. That makes safety-conscious drivers all the more essential.

Not only are you protecting those around you, but you’re also setting an excellent example for any little ones riding with you. Kids notice when adults act responsibly, and teaching them early habits like looking both ways can have lifelong benefits.

Have Fun, Drive Smart

Yes, Halloween is a night to unwind and enjoy time with family, friends, and neighbors, but that doesn’t mean we can put vehicle safety on pause. With a little forethought, some flexibility, and a lot of patience, driving through neighborhoods filled with kids can be a stress-free (and candy-filled) experience for everyone.

Halloween is for making memories, not accidents. Slow down, stay alert, and enjoy the glow of jack-o-lanterns (and the occasional inflatable ghost) as you go. By being an aware and cautious driver, you become the real MVP of Halloween night.