Officials warn of traffic and pedestrian safety ahead of Halloween weekend

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Officials are reminding residents of the heightened risks for pedestrian collisions and alcohol-related crashes during the Halloween season.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol in 2025, on Halloween night, drivers should expect an increase in neighborhood foot traffic and slow-moving vehicles dropping off trick-or-treaters.

Troopers recommend several safety steps for drivers and families:

• For Drivers: Slow down in residential areas, keep eyes on the road rather than mobile devices, and turn on headlights early in the evening.
• For Costumes: Wear light-colored or add reflective tape. Use face paint or makeup instead of masks, which can obstruct vision.
• For Pedestrians: Young children should always be accompanied by an adult, while older children should travel in groups and remain in well-lit areas.
  

Based on a study published by JAMA Pediatrics, the risk of a pedestrian fatality on the evening of Halloween is 43% higher than on a controlled evening before and after the holiday.

The same study states that children aged between four and eight have a 10 times more likely chance of being involved in pedestrian fatality on Halloween. And the peak time for these risks was around 6 p.m.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Traffic Safety data from 2024, the most pedestrian fatalities occur in the dark, with 76% of all pedestrian fatalities happening then. And 43% of driver-pedestrian fatal crashes had alcohol involvement with a BAC of .01 grams or higher.