AAA reminds Pittsburgh families to stay safe on Halloween

Lauren Talotta
·2 min read

Halloween is almost here and bigger than ever, with people expected to spend a record $10.6 billion on the holiday. But it’s important to remember that it can be one the most dangerous days of the year. AAA is reminding local families to take precautions before they head out to trick or treat.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that children are four times more likely to be hit by a car on Halloween than on any other day of the year, and your exact speed matters more than one might think. A pedestrian is more than twice as likely to be killed if they are hit by a car traveling at 35 mph compared to 25 mph, according to AAA.

For Travis Scott of East Hills, Halloween means spending quality time with his family, something he looks forward to every year. But when it comes to trick-or-treating, he knows that bad things can happen.

“We …trick or treat around there, relax, have a good time,” Scott said. “We’re all next to each other, watching out for the cars, watching out for potential hazards.”

Experts advise families to:

  • Stay together. AAA recommends that Trick-or-Treaters travel in groups and parents accompany kids under 12.

  • Choose costumes wisely. Make sure you are visible and consider adding reflective tape. Additionally, it’s recommended you opt for face paint instead of a mask to increase visibility on your end.

  • Always walk on sidewalks, if they’re available.

  • Cross streets only at the corner, and never in between cars.

  • Once you get home, it never hurts to inspect your kids’ treats to make sure there are no tricks.

“We usually like to look at it, make sure it wasn’t opened, make sure it wasn’t resealed or anything,” Scott said.

Trick or treat for city of Pittsburgh neighborhoods will be held on Halloween from 5-7 p.m.

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