Halloween is one of the most exciting nights of the year, filled with costumes, candy, and spooky fun. But while we’re busy planning out the perfect outfit, it’s important not to overlook safety—especially when it comes to costumes. Whether your little ones are trick-or-treating or you’re dressing up for a Halloween party, making sure your costumes are safe can help ensure everyone has a fun (and safe) night.
Here are some tips to keep in mind as you put the finishing touches on this year’s costumes:
1. Choose Bright Colors When Possible –
We highly recommend trying to pick a costume that pops with color, but we understand this is not always the winning idea. Darker costumes may look cool or spooky, but they can make it harder for drivers to see trick-or-treaters, especially once the sun sets. If your costume of choice is on the darker side, add reflective tape, glow sticks to make sure you and your kids are visible at night.
2. Avoid Masks That Limit Vision –
Masks are fun, but many limit side vision or slip out of place, creating tripping hazards or making it hard to see cars. Consider face paint or makeup as a safer alternative—it lets kids keep their full field of vision while still looking festive.
3. Check the Length of Costumes –
Costumes that drag on the ground may cause trips and falls. Make sure hems are short enough to walk around comfortably, especially for kids who will be scurrying from house to house and using steps to ring doorbells.
4. Pick Safe Accessories –
Swords, wands, or props should be soft and flexible—not sharp or hard enough to cause injury. Remind kids to carry them carefully and avoid moving around with pointy items.
5. Comfortable Footwear is Key –
As tempting as it may be to wear special shoes that “complete the look,” comfortable sneakers or well-fitting shoes are the safest choice. Trick-or-treating often means walking long distances, and kids will be happier if their feet aren’t hurting. Remember this advice for your own feet, too. We know the heels sometimes “make the costume,” but we don’t recommend them for journeying through your neighborhood for candy 😉
6. Add Visibility to Trick-or-Treat Bags –
Reflective tape or clip-on LED lights/flashers can easily be added to candy buckets or bags to make kids more visible. Bonus: it makes it easier for you to spot your child in a crowd. Alternatively, it makes it easier for them to spot you.
7. Bring a Flashlight –
Remember to light up your night. Not all neighborhoods are well lit. Come time to trick-or-treat, remember to bring your flashlights so your pathways are clear! This will also increase everyone’s visibility to others.
Halloween is meant to be fun, not frightening when it comes to safety. With just a few simple steps, you can make sure your costumes are safe, comfortable, and easy to see. From all of us on AAA Hudson Valley’s Traffic Safety Team: Be safe, be seen on Halloween!
