Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680

SALT LAKE CITY (Oct. 21, 2025) — Halloween is a night of excitement and adventure for children, but it’s also one of the most dangerous nights of the year for young pedestrians. To help make trick-or-treating fun and accident-free this Halloween, the American Red Cross of Utah is sharing essential safety tips for families and drivers.

The risk of pedestrian fatalities is 43% higher on Halloween than on any other night of the year, according to research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). The study, which analyzed 42 years of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, also found that children between the ages of 4 and 8 are 10 times more likely to be struck by a vehicle on Halloween than on other evenings.

“Halloween is a magical time for kids, but it’s also a night when safety must come first,” said Heidi Ruster, Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross Utah/Nevada Region. “Drivers need to stay alert for children who may unexpectedly cross the street, and families should take steps to make sure trick-or-treaters are visible and cautious. With Halloween falling on a Friday this year, the overlap of rush hour and trick-or-treating makes it even more important to watch out for young trick-or-treaters.”

The riskiest time for trick-or-treaters is between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m., when sunset, rush hour and peak trick-or-treating activity converge. Most childhood pedestrian accidents occur in residential neighborhoods, making it critical for both drivers and families to take extra precautions.

Red Cross of Utah Halloween Safety Tips

For Drivers:

• Slow Down: Drive slowly in residential areas and watch for kids who may cross the street unexpectedly.
• Turn on Headlights Early: Turn on headlights at dusk to make vehicles more visible to other drivers and trick-or-treaters.
• Be Patient: Take extra time at stop signs, intersections and crosswalks, and double-check for pedestrians before proceeding.
• Stay Focused: Limit distractions, such as cellphones, and follow speed limits in neighborhoods to help ensure pedestrian safety.
• Avoid Residential Areas: If not trick-or-treating, avoid driving through busy neighborhoods, especially during peak hours Halloween hours of 6-9 p.m.

For Trick-or-Treaters:

• Stay Visible: Wear reflective clothing, carry glow sticks or use flashlights to make sure trick-or-treaters are easy to see.
• Walk, Don’t Run: A slow and steady pace gives drivers more time to notice trick-or-treaters.
• Cross Safely: Cross at crosswalks or intersections, and don’t run out from between parked cars.
• Stick to Sidewalks: Use sidewalks whenever possible. If there are no sidewalks, walk on the left side of the road, facing traffic.
• Limit Distractions: Put phones away and stay focused while walking or supervising kids.
  

Stay Prepared with Red Cross Apps
The Red Cross also offers free apps to help families stay safe and prepared. The Red Cross Emergency app provides real-time weather alerts, shelter locations and disaster preparedness tips. The Red Cross First Aid app offers step-by-step instructions for handling common injuries and emergencies, including CPR. Both apps are available for smartphones and wearable devices. Search for “American Red Cross” in your app store or visit redcross.org/apps.

About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.