DC ranks among states where trick-or-treaters are more likely to be hit by cars, study says

WASHINGTON — A new study is warning parents that trick-or-treaters in D.C. are more likely to be hit by a car than other areas across the United States. 

The study was conducted by personal injury experts Ladah Law Firm and used data collected by the Governors Highway Safety Association on pedestrian traffic fatalities by state in 2023. Using that data, the law firm calculated per capita to find the number of pedestrian traffic fatalities per 100,000 residents by state. 

D.C. ranked 6th, behind a tie between Arizona and Mississippi, and ahead of Louisiana. 

"Despite being a small geographic area, the District of Columbia experienced 20 pedestrian fatalities in 2023," the law firm said in a release. "Drivers are urged to reduce speed and watch for pedestrians, especially in high-foot-traffic areas."

According to the Ladah Law Firm's study, the state with the highest risk of trick-or-treaters being hit by a car is New Mexico with 99 pedestrian traffic deaths, and 4.69 fatalities per 100,000 residents. When viewing the full rankings of every state, the lowest risk to trick-or-treats is in Nebraska with 14 deaths and 0.71 fatalities per 100,000 residents. The full top 10 can be found below. 

1. New Mexico - 99 pedestrian deaths | 4.69 traffic fatalities per 100,000 population
2. Florida - 801 pedestrian deaths | 3.49 traffic fatalities per 100,000 population
3. South Carolina - 182 pedestrian deaths | 3.46 traffic fatalities per 100,000 population
4. Nevada - 109 pedestrian deaths | 3.38 traffic fatalities per 100,000 population
5. Louisiana - 145 pedestrian deaths | 3.09 traffic fatalities per 100,000 population
6. D.C. - 20 pedestrian deaths | 2.98 traffic fatalities per 100,000 population
7. Arizona - 220 pedestrian deaths | 2.96 traffic fatalities per 100,000 population
8. Mississippi - 87 pedestrian deaths | 2.96 traffic fatalities per 100,000 population
9. Georgia - 321 pedestrian deaths | 2.88 traffic fatalities per 100,000 population
10. Delaware - 28 pedestrian deaths | 2.75 traffic fatalities per 100,000 population

Nonprofit Safe Kids Worldwide shared tips for parents of trick-or-treaters to keep in mind on Halloween:

• Carry glow sticks or flashlights, use reflective tape or stickers on costumes and bags, and wear light colors to help kids see and be seen by drivers.
• Join kids under age 12 for trick-or-treating.
• Slow down and be alert! Kids are excited on Halloween and may dart into the street. Turn on headlights early in the day to spot kids from further away.
• Remind kids to cross the street at corners or crosswalks.
• When selecting a costume, make sure it is the right size to prevent trips and falls. Choose face paint over masks when possible. Masks can limit children’s vision.

“As children take to the streets for trick-or-treating, it's essential that drivers stay alert and reduce speeds, particularly in residential neighborhoods," said Ramzy Ladah, owner and lead attorney of Ladah Law Firm. "Parents are encouraged to ensure their children wear bright or reflective costumes, and communities should increase visibility measures like street lighting to prevent pedestrian accidents.”