Halloween Safety in Wichita: 7 Rules to Protect Your Child

By Bradley A. Pistotnik, Wichita car accident attorney, Bull Attorneys, P.A.

Halloween is magical—but traffic risk is real. The National Safety Council notes children are more than twice as likely to be struck and killed by a car on Halloween than on other days, while a peer‑reviewed study found ~43% higher pedestrian fatality risk on Halloween. In Kansas, KDOT's 2023 data show driver inattention was the top contributing circumstance, and 467 pedestrians were involved in crashes statewide (38 fatalities, 409 injuries). Sources: NSC • JAMA (Halloween risk) • KDOT 2023 Crash Facts

From 2019–2023, U.S. Halloween night saw 198 alcohol‑related deaths and 176 drunk‑driving deaths (including 30 pedestrians). NHTSA

Kansas Highway Patrol enforcement (Troop F; South Central Kansas, incl. Wichita) reported 190 DUI arrests in 2023 while focusing on removing impaired drivers during late nights, holidays and weekends. KHP 2023 Annual Report

Seven Parent‑Focused Rules

1. Make your kids impossible to miss.

Choose bright costumes, add reflective tape, clip on wearable LEDs and carry flashlights. Most pedestrian deaths happen in the dark; in 2023, 77% occurred at night. Source: https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/813727

2. Cross only at corners—and make eye contact with drivers.

Teach left–right–left and wait for vehicles to stop. Avoid mid‑block crossings and darting between parked cars. Parents act as the crossing guard.

3. Put the phone down (everyone).

Kansas crash data show the #1 contributing circumstance in 2023 was driver inattention. Source: https://www.ktsro.org/files/2023FactsBook.pdf

4. Slow your caravan to 20 mph or less in neighborhoods.

If you must drive between stops, crawl and scan for trick‑or‑treaters—slower speeds save lives. Source: https://www.nhtsa.gov/halloween-safety-tips

5. Drive sober, plan rides, and watch for delivery traffic.

Arrange a sober ride before festivities. Expect more business delivery vehicles—give them extra space and avoid walking behind reversing vans. Source: https://www.trafficsafetymarketing.gov/safety-topics/drunk-driving/buzzed-driving-drunk-driving/halloween

6. Fix costume hazards before you go.

Replace masks that block side vision with face paint, trim long hemlines, secure props and choose comfortable shoes.

7. Choose safer routes and stick together.

Favor well‑lit blocks, sidewalks and marked crosswalks; skip high‑speed arterials. Children under 12 should have close adult supervision.

Localize Your Plan (Wichita & Kansas)

• Pick safer neighborhoods with sidewalks, street lighting and marked crosswalks.
• Avoid high‑speed arterials at dusk; favor residential streets.
• Use group visibility: one adult walks at the curb edge with a flashlight aimed 10–15 feet ahead.
• Report suspected impaired drivers immediately (or call 911).

What the Data Say

Visibility: 77% of 2023 pedestrian fatalities happened in the dark. https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/813727

Speed: Slower speeds buy precious reaction time in neighborhoods. https://www.nhtsa.gov/halloween-safety-tips

Distraction: KDOT lists inattention as the #1 contributing circumstance in 2023 crashes statewide. https://www.ktsro.org/files/2023FactsBook.pdf

Impairment: Drunk driving is a major factor on Halloween nights nationally. https://www.trafficsafetymarketing.gov/safety-topics/drunk-driving/buzzed-driving-drunk-driving/halloween

If a distracted, speeding, or impaired driver hurts your child, our Wichita car accident lawyers are here to help:

Bull Attorneys – Car Accidents

Call (316) 684‑4400 for a free consultation.