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Halloween Safety Concerns Shift to Traffic and Allergies

Experts emphasize the real dangers of Halloween include increased pedestrian accidents and food allergies, rather than the myths of tampered candy.

Kids grab candy out of a bucket during the fourth annual Halloween Stroll and Trunk-or-Treat Car Show Presented by Romain Cross Pointe in downtown Evansville, Indiana on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024.
Closeup of a young boy wearing a Halloween pirate costume and holding a pumpkin bucket for trick or treat candy, standing next to a jack-o-lantern carved with the words " slow down ". This is a message encouraging vehicle drivers to practice road safety and caution so they are not speeding on the roads in urban areas. In the background a car is driving by.
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Overview

  • Children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car on Halloween compared to other days, highlighting the need for traffic safety measures.
  • Safe Kids Worldwide advises using reflective materials on costumes and carrying flashlights to improve visibility for trick-or-treaters.
  • The FDA warns parents to check candy for allergens and advises against consuming homemade treats to prevent allergic reactions.
  • Urban legends about poisoned or tampered candy are largely unfounded, with very few documented cases over the decades.
  • Parents are encouraged to accompany young children while trick-or-treating and ensure costumes do not impair vision or pose tripping hazards.