Halloween Safety Tips: Stay Safe While Still Having Fun

By Eugene Bruno on September 29, 2025

Halloween is one of the most exciting nights of the year, full of costumes, candy, and community fun. But behind the spooky decorations and glowing jack-o’-lanterns, there are real dangers that can lead to serious injuries if precautions aren’t taken. Whether you’re a parent, homeowner, or just out enjoying the festivities, here are our top Halloween safety tips to help you stay safe, and what to do if something goes wrong.

For Trick-or-Treaters: Stay Safe on the Streets

Halloween is one of the most dangerous nights of the year for pedestrians, especially children. In fact, child pedestrian fatalities are significantly higher on Halloween night than on any other day of the year.

Tips to Stay Safe

• Use sidewalks and crosswalks: Never dart into the street between parked cars.
• Wear reflective costumes or carry glow sticks/flashlights to increase visibility.
• Avoid masks that block vision; face paint is a safer alternative.
• Accompany young children and set boundaries for older kids, including curfews and routes.
• Remind kids to walk, not run, especially in crowded neighborhoods.

For Homeowners: Make Your Property Hazard-Free

If you’re welcoming trick-or-treaters or hosting a Halloween party, you have a legal duty to maintain a safe environment.

Liability Risks

• Poorly lit walkways (leading to trips and falls)
• Uneven steps or cracked sidewalks
• Candles in pumpkins or decorations that pose fire hazards
• Pets that may bite or jump on guests
• Loose cords or inflatable decorations that create trip hazards

Safety Tips

• Clear leaves, debris, and tripping hazards from your walkway.
• Keep pathways well-lit by turning on outdoor lights.
• Use battery-operated lights instead of open flames.
• Keep pets secured away from the front door or party area.

For Drivers: Be Extra Cautious, Especially in Residential Areas

Even responsible drivers can have trouble spotting costumed children crossing streets at night. On Halloween, slow down and stay alert.

Driving Tips

• Drive at 5–10 mph below the speed limit in neighborhoods.
• Turn on headlights earlier in the day to improve visibility.
• Avoid distractions — no phones, no exceptions.
• Watch carefully for children crossing mid-block or running between cars.
• Absolutely do not drive impaired — DUI rates also spike on Halloween.

Costume Safety: Look Cool, Stay Safe

Not all costume hazards are obvious. Some lead to falls, burns, or allergic reactions.

What to Watch Out for

• Long or loose costumes that can cause tripping
• Flammable materials (especially near candles or fire pits)
• Face masks that block peripheral vision
• Costume accessories (like swords or wands) that could injure others

Haunted House or Event Injuries: Know Your Rights

Many people visit haunted houses, corn mazes, or Halloween festivals, but not all of them are properly maintained or staffed.

If you’re injured at a Halloween attraction, you may be able to file a personal injury claim, even if you signed a waiver. These venues have a legal duty to provide a reasonably safe environment.

When Halloween Goes Wrong: Know Your Legal Options

Despite all precautions, accidents happen. When they do, it’s important to understand your rights.

You may be able to recover compensation if your injury was caused by:

• A negligent driver
• An unsafe property
• An untrained employee or reckless behavior at a haunted event

At Eugene Bruno & Associates, we fight for injured individuals and families across California. If you or your child is hurt this Halloween, don’t wait. Contact our San Diego personal injury lawyers for a free consultation.

Halloween should be scary for the right reasons, but not because of an injury. Stay alert, plan ahead, and if something goes wrong, we’re here to help you get back on your feet.

Call 1-888-BRUNO-88 (1-888-278-6688) to learn more today.