By Myra Khana and Elaina Wang
Strangers are giving out candy, children are flocking the streets, and everyone is wearing a mask; Halloween seems like a recipe for danger. We’ve all heard the urban legends of poisoned candy or kidnappings, but it turns out, these aren’t the real dangers.
The internet yielded zero information on kidnappings or tainted candy related to Halloween, so these are things you can cross off the big worry list.
“To be honest, I don’t think poisoned candy is a big deal because I trust people in my neighborhood to give out good quality candy,” Longfellow student Linda L. said. “However, you should still read the expiration dates before you eat the candy, in case it’s old.”
Of course, just because it’s not common doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be careful. Don’t collect candy that is not wrapped in sealed packaging. Candy that is not in a “professional” wrapper is likelier to be dangerous and should not be consumed.
Though Halloween has no greater risk for kidnappings, that doesn’t mean zero, so be safe when trick-or-treating. Don’t go out by yourself, go with friends, family, or people you trust. There really is safety in numbers.
According to a 2011 study by Child Find of America, an organization dedicated to child abductions, “81% of kidnapping victims were 12 years old or older in non-family cases.” This stat means middle schoolers are entering a riskier time, so it pays to be careful.
However, there are some much less scary but far more common dangers on Halloween. According to a Travelers Insurance Risk assessment, there are 17% more crime-related claims on Halloween. These typically include vandalism, theft, and robberies.
Car accidents are probably the scariest danger on Halloween. According to a Bloomberg research article, the risk of death increases by 43% on Halloween mostly due to pedestrian crashes.
Car crashes can be prevented by both parties, the drivers, and the trick-or-treaters.
“The people driving can be more careful,” 7th grader Julia G. said, “As they know it is Halloween and there are going to be many people trick-or-treating.”
However, just because drivers are being careful, doesn’t mean trick-or-treaters can slack off.
According to The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, “40% of car accident fatalities on Halloween night are due to drinking and driving.” Therefore, trick-or-treaters must know how to protect themselves.
There is the classic “Look left right, Safe Kid Worldwide advises. They also suggest carrying glow sticks or flashlights, using reflective tape or stickers on costumes and bags, and wearing light colors to help kids see and be seen by drivers. Also, while walking around neighborhoods, be aware of cars backing out of driveways.
One oft-forgotten danger could happen at any time: illness. 7th grader Lucas Zhao had a bad experience while trick-or-treating.
“I do not like trick or treating, honestly. I once experienced sickness and nausea when in my costume, and I was really far from my house, so I couldn’t get help fast.”
This risk can be avoided by making sure you are with trusted people who you know can get you help quickly. Like parents, an older sibling, or good friends who have electronics for emergencies.
If you implement the right safety measures, Halloween, the night of tricks, is going to be a fun holiday, full of socializing and candy—and a little bit scary, too, but in the good way.
