Halloween Safety Tips for Kids and Drivers in Central Louisiana: How to Stay Safe This October
Halloween is one of the most exciting nights of the year for families across Alexandria, Pineville, and all of Central Louisiana. Children dress in costumes, neighborhoods come alive with trick-or-treaters, and families enjoy the fun of community events and festivals. But Halloween is also one of the most dangerous nights of the year for pedestrian accidents.
According to the National Safety Council, children are twice as likely to be hit by a car on Halloween night than on any other day of the year. Add in shorter daylight hours from the time change, distracted drivers, and the sheer number of pedestrians out after dark — and it’s clear why extra caution is needed.
At Neblett, Beard & Arsenault, we’ve represented far too many families affected by preventable pedestrian and auto accidents in Louisiana. Below are essential Halloween safety tips for both parents and drivers to help keep this holiday safe and fun.
Halloween Safety Tips for Kids and Families
- Choose Safe, Visible Costumes
- Opt for costumes with bright colors or reflective material so drivers can see children after dark.
- Avoid masks that limit vision — consider face paint instead.
- Add glow sticks, reflective tape, or LED accessories to trick-or-treat bags.
- Take a photo of your child before leaving home in case you get separated.
- Stay Together and Plan Your Route
- Trick-or-treat in well-lit neighborhoods with sidewalks when possible.
- Always cross at crosswalks and make eye contact with drivers before crossing the street.
- Map out your route in advance and review what to do if anyone gets separated.
- Children under 12 should always be accompanied by a parent or trusted adult.
Driving Safety on Halloween Night
- Slow Down in Neighborhoods
- Residential streets will see a sharp increase in foot traffic — especially after dark.
- Drive at least 5 mph below the posted limit in neighborhoods, even if you don’t see children.
- Eliminate Distractions
- Put your phone away — no texting, no scrolling.
- Enter your GPS route before leaving the driveway.
- Watch for the Unexpected
- Children may dart out from between parked cars or across driveways.
- Be prepared for trick-or-treaters wearing dark costumes that blend into the night.
Central Louisiana Pedestrian Dangers
October is National Pedestrian Safety Month, making Halloween a critical reminder of the dangers Louisiana families face. Data from the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission shows our state consistently ranks among the highest in the nation for pedestrian fatalities per capita.
Local hotspots in Alexandria and Pineville — including busy areas near Jackson Street, MacArthur Drive, and Highway 28 — see higher accident risks due to speeding, poor visibility, and distracted driving. Parents and drivers alike must remain vigilant.
If a Halloween Accident Happens, We’re Here to Help
No family expects their Halloween night to end in tragedy. But when careless or negligent driving causes serious injury or the loss of a loved one, you need experienced advocates on your side.
For over 40 years, Neblett, Beard & Arsenault has fought for injured families in Alexandria, Pineville, and across Louisiana. We understand the devastation of pedestrian accidents and know how to hold drivers accountable.
- 📞 24/7 Hotline: (318) 561-2500
- 💻 Online Case Evaluation: Contact us today
Our Central Louisiana pedestrian accident attorneys have recovered millions for victims of roadway collisions. While we hope your Halloween is safe and joyful, know that if the worst happens, we are here for you and your family.
Key Takeaway
Halloween should be filled with fun — not fear. By taking simple precautions, both parents and drivers can dramatically reduce risks. This October, let’s work together to make our neighborhoods safe for every trick-or-treater in Central Louisiana.
