Halloween danger: Houston ERs brace for kids’ most dangerous night

Halloween is one of the most dangerous nights of the year for pedestrians, especially young children.

Local emergency rooms are preparing for injuries on Friday night after national data shows Halloween-night pedestrian deaths increase during the hours of 5 p.m. - 11:59 p.m.

The National Institutes of Health analyzed 42 years of data and found that pedestrian deaths on Halloween night are 43% higher than on other evenings.

Young children are at the highest risk: kids between ages 4 and 8 face roughly 10 times the usual danger, according to the study.

The most dangerous window appears to be around 6 p.m., right in the middle of typical trick-or-treating hours.

What Houston doctors are expecting tonight

Dr. Mohammed Adamu, HCA Healthcare Pearland Emergency Room Physician, said local ERs are braced for Halloween-related injuries.

“I mean, we know kids get hit by cars, but Halloween nights, nationally - it’s almost three times as much,” Dr. Adamu said. “So, the most important thing with kids is you want to make sure that you’re wearing your clothes that are visible and make sure they’re using crosswalks and make sure the kids are walking in groups as well — that helps.”

On average, Halloween brings about 3,200 people to emergency rooms annually across the country for injuries tied to the holiday.

More than half of those visits are related to pumpkin carving, while roughly a quarter are caused by falls, including trips over costumes while trick-or-treating.

Why Halloween is especially risky

• Visibility is reduced: Costumes, masks and early nightfall can make it harder to see.
• Crowded streets: Trick-or-treating brings groups onto roads and driveways, increasing exposure to traffic.
• Distraction and unpredictability: Children may dart between parked cars or cross streets without looking.
• Costume-related hazards: Long hems, loose shoes and masks that limit sight contribute to trips and other accidents.

Practical safety tips for families

Dr. Adamu offered simple, effective steps parents can take to reduce risk tonight:

• Make costumes visible: Add reflective tape, LED lights, or glow sticks to costumes and treat bags.
• Improve sightlines: Consider face paint instead of full masks so children can see clearly.
• Use crosswalks and sidewalks: Teach kids to cross at corners and use marked crosswalks; hold younger children’s hands.
• Walk in groups: Stay on sidewalks and follow a planned route so drivers can anticipate pedestrian movement.
• Shorten hems and wear sturdy shoes: Avoid long costumes that can cause tripping; choose closed-toe shoes.
• Supervise pumpkin carving: Use kid-friendly tools when possible, supervise closely, and carve away from the body.
• Plan for earlier or later outings: If possible, trick-or-treat in daylight or after peak traffic times.

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Seek immediate medical attention if a child is struck by a vehicle or suffers a deep cut, severe fall, head injury, loss of consciousness, uncontrolled bleeding, or difficulty breathing.

For less severe cuts and scrapes from pumpkin carving or falls, call your doctor or urgent care to determine the best next step.