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Halloween dubbed deadliest day by State Farm Insurance

Posted: Oct 30, 2012 7:11 PM by KXLF Media Center

State Farm Insurance is calling Halloween the ‘Deadliest Day' of the year for child pedestrian fatalities. They recently released a study that looked at the number of fatalities between 1990 and 2010 that occurred on Oct. 31.

One hundred fifteen child pedestrian fatalities were recorded over the 21-year period. State Farm found that on Halloween night there is a 5.5 fatality average, which is double compared to the 2.6 fatality average on a typical day.

Butte-Silver Bow Sheriff John Walsh said he has never seen fatality numbers on Halloween that concern him, but the dangers are out there.

"We ask the citizens to be very conscious of those kids that are out on the street when they are driving through the neighborhoods," Walsh said.

It is important to make sure drivers can see you if you are walking at night. Wearing reflective or brightly colored clothing will help make you more visible, Walsh said. If you have a dark costume, carry a fluorescent or brightly colored bag for your candy.

"If you are trick-or-treating with your children keep them close to you," said Brad Hilliard, public affairs specialist for State Farm Insurance. "Make sure they don't dart in and out of cars, that they aren't darting immediately across the street, you're using cross-walks, using intersections to cross appropriately. Just making sure that they are safe and as cautious as possible while they are out there."

State Farm's study has shown that the number of child pedestrian fatalities has decreased in the last six years.

"Part of our goal with releasing information like this is that we can raise more awareness and continue that trend downward," Hilliard said.

Law enforcement plans to have extra patrols on Halloween night.

"The main thing we are looking for is that everyone goes home safe," Walsh said.