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WESTWOOD, Mass. (WBZNewsRadio) - We're just days away from donning on costumes and hitting the streets for the hopes of treats rather than tricks. Ahead of the haunted holiday, AAA is reminding the public Halloween is the most dangerous day of the year for child pedestrians.
Between 2007 and 2021, nearly 50 children around the United States were killed on Halloween. Here in Massachusetts, between 2002 and 2022, 57 pedestrians aged 17 or younger were involved in crashes on Halloween.
"Oct. 31 is the second deadliest day for pedestrians of all ages, with Nov. 1 the deadliest, so revelers should be sure to drive and walk safely at all hours," AAA said.
Apart from the warning to drivers, AAA is also urging municipalities across the country to invest in sidewalks and street lighting to help keep those on foot safer.
“Whether you’re out trick-or-treating with children or getting together with friends, safety should be paramount on Halloween,” said Mark Schieldrop, AAA Northeast Senior Spokesperson. “Drivers must be especially vigilant between 4 p.m. and midnight, when pedestrians are the most vulnerable.”
AAA is offering a number of tips to make the roadways safer for everyone regardless of whether on foot or behind the wheel. AAA says it's best to avoid neighborhood shortcuts on Halloween, where more trick-or-treaters are more likely to be. If you are behind the wheel, remember this is Halloween, it's exciting and many youngsters out and about in their dark-colored costumes may be very excited for the sugar-rush. The excitement unfortunately means trick-or-treaters may not be paying close attention to traffic and could cross unexpectedly. Driving the speed limit and staying vigilant is key to avoiding the worst case scenario.
For parents taking their children trick-or-treating, AAA is recommending you go door to door together, at least until your child is 12 years old. Parents should go over the planned route ahead of time with their children and point out marked street crossings, where it is safer to cross the road.
For more information on how you can stay safe this holiday, visit the AAA website.
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