Drivers Hit More Pedestrians on Halloween

Halloween is one of the most dangerous nights of the year for pedestrians. Not only are there more pedestrians out that night, but many of them are small children, possibly wearing dark costumes. Add to this the fact that many drivers are under the influence, and it is a deadly mix for pedestrians.

A 2019 study from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration found that pedestrian fatalities were 43% higher on Halloween night. While walking on Halloween night is dangerous for everyone, it is particularly deadly for children aged four to eight, who have a fatality rate ten times an average day. The most dangerous time on Halloween night is dusk, between 6:00 – 7:00 PM. This time is when the most children are out, and drivers are adjusting to nighttime conditions.

Although it is more difficult for drivers to see at night, it does not excuse them from potential liability when they strike and injure a pedestrian. Although many insurance companies try to blame the pedestrian for the accident, drivers often do not take the appropriate amount of care on Halloween evening, knowing that children will be out in the neighborhood.

In general, the number of serious pedestrian accidents is increasing throughout the country. Now that children have returned to trick-or-treating after COVID-19, the Halloween accident numbers have resumed their upward climb. The problem is that young drivers are the ones who are out on Halloween evening, and they may be drunk or distracted.

The attorneys at Quattrochi, Torres & Taormina can fight for you to receive full financial compensation when you or a loved one have been injured in a pedestrian accident. You can send us a message online or call us at 407.452.4918 to schedule your free initial consultation.