Staying Safe on Halloween

The scariest thing this October isn't ghosts, witches, or skeletons (even those 12-foot tall ones in your neighbor's yard) - it's traffic.

Halloween may be the ultimate celebration of all-things that go bump in the night, but it's also the ultimate celebration of walkable communities. For one evening, entire neighborhoods transform into bustling, low-carbon public spaces, powered entirely by foot traffic (and lots of sugar).

However, it's also statistically the most dangerous night of the year for child pedestrians. Children are on average three times more likely to be struck by a vehicle on Halloween than any other day.

Standard safety advice tells kids to carry flashlights, wear bright colors, and look both ways before crossing the street - but individual caution can't fix car-centric infrastructure. True, lasting pedestrian safety requires rethinking how we design and share our streets to keep the communities who rely on them safe and healthy.

OEC is hard at work doing exactly that, collaborating with our partners in Move Oregon Forward to bring much-needed changes to our transportation system next session. In the meantime, here are some quick and easy ways to stay safe while advocating for climate-friendly, human-scaled streets this Halloween night:

• Ditch the car. If you're heading to a trick-or-treating hotspot, consider walking, rolling, or taking transit. Fewer cars on the roads means lower pedestrian risk, and less emissions in the air for kids to breathe!

• Support " Treats on the Streets! " If you live in Portland, these temporary street closures demonstrate just how safe and vibrant our communities can be when we prioritize people over parking. Seek out car-free trick-or-treating options whatever part of the state you're in!

• Set the standard behind the wheel. If you must drive, cap your speed to the posted limit and 15 mph in residential areas, stay off your phone, and keep a close eye out for ghouls and goblins crossing the street.
• Turn visibility into advocacy. Be sure to use lights and reflective gear on your costumes on Halloween night - but after that, remind city and state officials that the onus shouldn't fall on us when it comes to pedestrian safety. Tell your lawmakers to prioritize safe, accessible, equitable transportation solutions year-round.

Reclaiming our streets for a single evening proves what's possible every day. Let's make our communities safer, greener, and more walkable - this October 31 and beyond!

Want to speak up for Oregon's transportation system during the 2027 legislative session? Be sure to sign up for our Grassroots Action mailing list. We'll fill you in on opportunities to give testimony, write your lawmakers, and more ways to get involved.

Happy Halloween!