SAVANNAH, Ga. () – As Halloween approaches, the excitement of costumes and candy is accompanied by crucial safety concerns. With the holiday known for having the highest number of pedestrian incidents, local authorities are highlighting the importance of vigilance for both drivers and families accompanying young trick-or-treaters.
This week, residents are being advised to prioritize caution. Halloween is notorious for a spike in pedestrian-related accidents, nearly doubling the typical rate of fatalities. To mitigate risks, Savannah Police will intensify patrols in high-traffic areas, while Memorial Health emphasizes the importance of proactive planning and ensuring children are easily seen.
Dr. Alana Koehler, a pediatric emergency specialist at Memorial Health, highlights the need for pedestrian safety on Halloween. “The likelihood of child pedestrians being involved in fatal accidents is twice as high on Halloween compared to other nights. Simple measures, like wearing visible costumes, can significantly enhance safety,” she advises.
Corporal Rebekah Helmick of the Savannah Police Department has firsthand experience with the heightened vigilance required on Halloween, particularly in areas like Ardsley Park. Given Savannah’s unique open container law, which permits those over 21 to consume alcohol in designated downtown areas, the potential for alcohol-related incidents increases, especially during festive occasions.
Cpl. Helmick stresses the dangers of combining alcohol and driving: “Driving under the influence not only endangers your life but also poses a threat to pedestrians and other motorists. Our officers will be actively monitoring for such behavior.”
In response to the increased foot traffic during Halloween, the SPD will focus on streets with significant trick-or-treat activity, including Ardsley Park and central Savannah. With the influx of costumed children crowding the sidewalks, drivers are urged to exercise caution. It’s crucial to reduce speed, avoid distractions like mobile phones, and be attentive to kids who may unexpectedly cross the road.
At Memorial Health, doctors say they see more injuries on Halloween than almost any other night – often from tripping or low-visibility costumes. They recommend adding reflective tape, glow sticks, or flashlights – and checking candy for allergens or choking hazards before kids dig in. Doctors tell that a few seconds of preparation, officials say, can prevent a lifetime of regret.
“I recommend all families inspect the candy when their kids come home from trick-or-treating. That’s a time to set aside any candies that might be dangerous. This means anything that has food, allergens and choking hazards, anything that’s unwrapped or any homemade treats that were made by someone that you don’t know well,” said Dr. Koehler.
Children can gather dozens of sweet treats while filling up their trick-or-treat bags or buckets. However, health professionals say there is a limit children should stick to for sugar intake.
“It is important that children have reasonable goals for how much candy they’re going to have in a night and that parents set reasonable expectations and limits. Ideally, it would be less than 25 grams in a day, so that ends up being only about five or six pieces of Halloween candy,” said Dr. Koehler.
For maximum safety, officials ask trick-or-treaters to go out between 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Police and health officials say a little planning keeps Halloween fun – and out of the Emergency Room.
There’s going to be a lot of kids and a lot of parents going house to house across the Coastal Empire this Friday. The United States Census Bureau estimates around 41 million children between the ages of 5 to 14 years trick-or-treat. Officials say, just don’t go to a house that doesn’t have a light on outside.
“Be safe, be aware of your surroundings. That’s the biggest thing. Trick-or-treat in neighborhood you’re familiar with and only go to houses where the porch light is on outside. Make sure kids don’t go into homes. Just stand on the outside, get whatever candy and then move on to the next,” said Cpl. Helmick.
has more tips below to keep your Halloween fun – not frightening.
Click here from Memorial Health on a more detailed list to have safe fun.
Tip overview from SPD:
• Trick-or-treat only during the suggested timeframe – 5-8 p.m. on Oct. 31
• Only visit familiar, well-lit neighborhoods and homes that have their porch lights on.
• Walk on the sidewalk and observe all traffic laws.
• Parents should inspect children’s candy before they eat any. If anything is unwrapped or looks suspicious, throw it away.
• Never go into a home while trick-or-treating.
• Children should always trick-or-treat with an adult.
• Notify the police of any suspicious activity.
For those who want a different pace of trick-or-treating or to get more into the Halloween fun…. SPD will host “Blue Light Fright Night” on Friday, Oct 31, from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Central Precinct located at 1710 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. This event will include a “haunted house” walk-through and candy for attendees, with pre-filled bags for those in strollers and wheelchairs.
