Halloween is one of the busiest nights of the year for pedestrians, and new data shows drivers are more distracted just as children begin heading door-to-door for trick-or-treating.
According to telematics data, distracted driving increases significantly during Halloween festivities, with elevated phone use occurring during peak trick-or-treat hours. Telematics data analysis of millions of trips found that distracted driving increased *8.1% during trick-or-treating hours in 2025, continuing a trend of increased risk on Halloween nights.
“Halloween should be memorable for costumes and candy–not fatal and serious injuries,” said Josephine Middleton, Highway Safety Manager. “Children are excited, neighborhoods are busy, and visibility becomes more challenging after dark. Drivers need to put distractions away, slow down, and look out for little ghouls!”
The increased distraction comes at a time when more children are walking near roadways. Safety experts note children are more than twice as likely to be struck by a vehicle while trick-or-treating on Halloween than on a typical day.
To help keep everyone safe this Halloween, the Office of Highway Safety encourages:
- Put your phone away before driving.
- Slow down in neighborhoods and residential areas.
- Watch for children crossing between parked vehicles.
- Use extra caution at intersections and crosswalks.
- Stay alert during dusk and after dark when visibility is reduced.
- Never drive impaired.
Idaho pedestrian crashes also increase during the darkest months when daylight saving time ends. Parents can improve safety by choosing light-colored or reflective clothing, carrying flashlights, and reminding children to use designated crossings whenever possible.
A few extra seconds of attention behind the wheel can make all the difference on a night when thousands of Idaho families are out celebrating.
For more information, visit shift-idaho.org.
*Cambridge Telematics