Stay out of the ER and keep your family safe this Halloween with these tips
Halloween may seem like harmless fun to most, but behind the costumes and candy lies one of the riskiest nights of the year for preventable injuries.
From lacerations to fires to pedestrian accidents, what starts as a night of celebration can quickly take a dangerous turn if the right precautions aren’t in place. And while the focus is often on keeping kids safe, adults and workers aren’t immune to seasonal risks that can lead to serious injuries and even fatalities.
In this article, we’ll look at the most common Halloween-related injuries, explore the factors that contribute to them, and share practical ways to stay safe—so your holiday remains safe and enjoyable.
How many people go to the ER on Halloween?
Every year in the U.S., there are about 3,200 Halloween-related injuries treated in emergency departments, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
A little more than half of those injured (54%) are adults, while kids under 18 account for about 46% of injuries.
Even though children are generally less likely to end up in the ER on Halloween than adults, about 1 in 10 Halloween injuries happen to children under the age of 6, highlighting how vulnerable young trick-or-treaters can be.
What are the top causes of injuries on Halloween?
#1 Pumpkin carving
Pumpkin carving is a Halloween tradition in nearly half of American households—but it’s also one of the most common causes of holiday-related ER visits.
In fact, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), more than 55% of Halloween injuries in 2022 were linked to carving accidents.
A 2022 study published in The American Journal of Emergency Medicine found that between 2012 and 2021, there were an estimated 20,579 pumpkin-related knife injuries treated in ERs across the U.S.
Other key facts about pumpkin carving injuries, according to the study:
- About 87.6% of all pumpkin-related injuries affected the hands, with the thumb (33.5%) and index finger (25%) most commonly injured.
- Teens from 10 to 19 years old (31.5%) experienced the most injuries from pumpkin carving, followed by children under 10 (19.5%).
- Females from 10 to 19 years old were the most frequently injured subgroup, making up 10% of all cases.
- Just under half of all injuries happen during the last week of the month, with the peak injury date being October 30.
Part of the danger lies in the pumpkin itself. Its tough, ribbed rind requires significant force to cut through, but once the knife breaks the surface, it can slip suddenly into the softer pulp inside—often straight toward the hand holding the pumpkin steady.
Improper tools are another major factor. Using kitchen knives—which are sharper and less controlled than pumpkin-carving tools—significantly increased the risk of lacerations and partial finger amputations.
#2 Pedestrian accidents
In a study published in JAMA Pediatrics in 2019, researchers analyzed over 1.5 million fatal traffic crashes in the U.S., covering more than 2.3 million drivers and 268,000 pedestrians over 4 decades.
They compared pedestrian deaths on Halloween evenings (from 5 p.m. to midnight) with other evenings during the same weeks to see if Halloween poses a higher risk.
Here’s what they discovered:
- Pedestrian deaths jump 43% on Halloween.
- Children face the greatest danger.
- The deadliest hour is around 6 p.m.
According to the study, an average of 2.07 pedestrians were killed per hour on Halloween night, compared to 1.45 per hour on regular evenings—a 43% higher risk of fatality.
That means each Halloween leads to about 4 additional pedestrian deaths compared to other nights.
The most alarming finding was among children ages 4 to 8, who were found to be 10 times more likely to die in a pedestrian crash on Halloween than on other days.
The study also noted that pedestrian deaths peak right around 6 p.m., likely because that’s when many families are out walking, visibility starts to drop, and drivers are commuting home from work or heading to parties.
Researchers point out that although the increased relative risk on Halloween has stayed consistent over the last few decades, the absolute number of deaths per 100 million Americans has dropped from 4.9 to 2.5 over the past few decades—likely due to better vehicle safety and awareness campaigns.
#3 Drunk driving
Drunk driving is a major cause of Halloween fatalities for both drivers and pedestrians. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), from 2019 to 2023, about 176 people were killed in drunk-driving crashes on Halloween night. Of those:
- 145 were drivers or passengers in cars
- 30 were pedestrians
Because parties and late-night events are so common on Halloween, impaired driving spikes dramatically after dark. Even a small amount of alcohol can slow reaction time and make it harder to spot kids crossing the street or other cars pulling out of driveways.
#4 Falls
According to the CPSC, 1 in 4 Halloween injuries are caused by falls—making them one of the most common reasons people end up in the ER during the holiday. Both kids and adults face risks, whether trick-or-treating, decorating, or attending parties.
Top causes of fall-related injuries on Halloween include:
- Poor visibility. Dim lighting, dark costumes, and uneven sidewalks make it easy to miss trip hazards.
- Ill-fitting costumes. Long hems, capes, or oversized shoes can cause kids (and adults) to stumble or trip.
- Blocked vision. Masks and face coverings can limit peripheral vision, especially when crossing streets or walking on curbs.
- Cluttered walkways. Decorations, electrical cords, pumpkins, and props left on porches or lawns often cause trips.
- Uneven terrain. Yards, driveways, and sidewalks with cracks or slopes become even trickier to navigate in the dark, especially when overexcited trick-or-treaters run between houses.
- Falls from ladders. Adults frequently suffer injuries while hanging lights or decorations on roofs or trees.
While many Halloween falls result in minor injuries, more serious injuries like broken bones, head injuries, or spinal injuries can have lasting effects and should be treated in an ER immediately.
#5 Fires
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), between 2019 and 2023, there were an average of 832 home decoration fires each year, resulting in 3 deaths, 28 injuries, and roughly $17 million in property damage annually.
Key causes of Halloween decoration fires include:
- Flammable decorations near heat sources. Almost half (47%) of all decoration-related fires start because materials like paper, cloth, or plastic are placed too close to candles, heaters, or hot bulbs.
- Candle use. About 1 in 3 Halloween decoration fires are ignited by candles—often inside jack-o’-lanterns, window displays, or outdoor décor. Traditional candles can easily tip over or ignite nearby leaves, costumes, or porch decorations.
- Overloaded electrical outlets. Too many lights or decorations plugged into one outlet can cause overheating and sparks.
- Faulty extension cords or wiring. Old or damaged cords increase the risk of electrical fires, especially outdoors or in damp areas.
Replacing open-flame candles with LED lights, keeping flammable materials away from heat sources, and checking cords for wear and tear are simple ways to prevent a Halloween fire tragedy.
It’s also a good idea to avoid costumes or robes made of loose, flowing fabric or materials that can easily catch fire. Long sleeves, capes, tassels, and synthetic fabrics can quickly ignite if they come into contact with candles, jack-o’-lanterns, or open flames.
#6 Costumes
Halloween costumes are a significant cause of preventable injuries—especially among kids. A 2024 national survey of nearly 1,000 parents of children under 12 found that 75% said they keep safety in mind when choosing costumes.
Despite this assertion, about 40% of parents admitted to allowing at least one unsafe item, such as:
- Masks that limit visibility
- Long or loose clothing that can cause trips or catch fire
- Sharp props like swords and sticks
Even more concerning, the survey found that most parents skipped key safety features like flame-resistant materials, reflective tape, or non-toxic makeup.
Common Halloween costume injuries include:
- Eye injuries from props like plastic swords, canes, or wands
- Burns when flammable materials ignite loose clothing
- Fall-related injuries caused by tripping on long hemlines, baggy sleeves, or oversized shoes
- Choking or strangulation injuries caused by drawstrings, cords, or small detachable decorations, especially among toddlers and younger kids.
To help prevent these injuries, parents should look for flame-resistant fabrics, soft, flexible props, and reflective or glow-in-the-dark elements to increase visibility.
A quick “costume test” before heading out can also reveal tripping hazards, poor visibility, or unsafe accessories that could turn Halloween fun into a visit to the ER.
#7 Allergic reactions
According to the CPSC, about 4% of Halloween-related injuries involve allergic reactions like rashes or asthma flare-ups. These can be just as serious as physical injuries, especially for children with sensitive skin or respiratory conditions.
Common triggers include:
- Food allergies. Popular candies often contain peanuts, tree nuts, milk, soy, or gluten, making trick-or-treating risky for kids with food sensitivities.
- Latex. Masks, balloons, and some costume parts contain latex, which can cause itching, hives, or even life-threatening anaphylaxis in allergic individuals.
- Makeup and face paint. Products with harsh dyes, preservatives, or fragrances can cause redness, swelling, or contact dermatitis—particularly near the eyes or mouth.
- Costume jewelry and accessories. Cheap or decorative items may contain nickel or other metals that trigger allergic skin reactions or rashes after prolonged contact.
- Fragrances and fog machines. Scented sprays, candles, or artificial fog can irritate airways and worsen asthma symptoms.
Parents can reduce these risks by checking candy labels, doing a patch test before applying makeup, choosing nickel-free and latex-free costume materials, and keeping epinephrine or allergy medication on hand for emergencies.
Do workplace injuries increase around holidays?
While injuries in the general population tend to go up on certain holidays like Halloween, data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows that workplace injuries are generally highest during the summer months, not the holidays.
Interestingly, reported work-related injury rates in the U.S. often drop near the end of the calendar year.
But that doesn’t necessarily mean workplaces are safer—it may reflect underreporting, since some late-year injuries aren’t documented in time for surveys.
Despite these work injury trends, the holiday season does bring unique workplace risks and hazards that can increase the chance of accidents if precautions aren’t taken, including:
- Temporary and seasonal workers. Many businesses bring in extra help around the holidays, and these workers may not receive adequate training in safety procedures or equipment use.
- Increased workloads and long hours. The rush to meet year-end deadlines or holiday demand can lead to fatigue, shortcuts, and mistakes.
- Weather-related hazards. Wet, icy, or cold conditions can cause slips, trips, and falls—especially for outdoor workers like construction workers, roofers, cell tower climbers, and delivery drivers at Amazon, FedEx, UPS, and more.
- Stress and distractions. Holiday pressure, travel fatigue, and multitasking can reduce focus and reaction time, raising the likelihood of errors.
- Decorations and electrical hazards. Hanging lights, using ladders, or overloading circuits can lead to falls, shocks, fires, and other hazards in offices and retail stores.
So, while the numbers might not show a dramatic spike in holiday injuries, the risk factors are real—and employers should double down on training, proper staffing, and safety checks to keep workers protected through the busiest time of year.
Were you injured at work in Georgia? We can help!
Whether your injury happened during the holidays or on a regular workday, you’re likely entitled to workers’ compensation benefits if it occurred on the job. Georgia’s workers’ comp system is designed to be no-fault, meaning you can receive benefits for medical treatment and lost wages regardless of who caused the accident.
Unfortunately, that doesn’t stop some employers and insurance companies from denying legitimate claims or delaying benefits workers desperately need.
At Gerber & Elkins, our Atlanta work injury lawyers have more than 100 years of combined experience fighting for injured workers all across Georgia. We know how to cut through red tape, stand up to insurance companies, and make sure you get every dollar you’re entitled to under the law.
Whether your claim was denied or you just need help getting the process started, contact Gerber & Elkins Workers’ Compensation Attorneys today for a free consultation.
References
CPSC Offers Safety Tips to Keep Hazards from Haunting Your Halloween. (2022). U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. https://www.cpsc.gov/Newsroom/News-Releases/2023/CPSC-Offers-Safety-Tips-to-Keep-Hazards-from-Haunting-Your-Halloween
Halloween | Traffic Safety Marketing. (2022). Trafficsafetymarketing.gov. https://www.trafficsafetymarketing.gov/safety-topics/drunk-driving/buzzed-driving-drunk-driving/halloween
Halloween Fire Safety Tips | NFPA. (2024). Nfpa.org. https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/home-fire-safety/halloween
Halloween Safety By The Numbers 2019. (2019). U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. https://www.cpsc.gov/Safety-Education/Safety-Guides/Kids-and-Babies-General-Information-Clothing-and-Accessories/Halloween-Safety-By-The-Numbers-2019
Johnson, C. A., LaRochelle, L., Newton, W. N., & Daly, C. A. (2022). Pumpkin carving knife injuries: National incidence and trends of hand injury. The American Journal of Emergency Medicine, 60, 83–87. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajem.2022.07.052
Morse, J. (2024). Report to the Boards of Health The Public Health of Halloween. District Health Department, 10. https://www.mmdhd.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F.-1.-MD-report-October-2024-Halloween.pdf
Pierce, Brooks. (2019, March 20). The Seasonal Timing of Work‐Related Injuries. Bureau of Labor Statistics. https://www.bls.gov/osmr/research-papers/2013/st130230.htm
Staples, J. A., Yip, C., & Redelmeier, D. A. (2019). Pedestrian Fatalities Associated With Halloween in the United States. JAMA Pediatrics, 173(1), 101. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapediatrics.2018.4052
