Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Pedestrian safety

Since It’s Halloween, Watch for Kids When Driving

Halloween tips from DOT.

301660341_08857b81db.jpgFor Kids1. Kids 10 and under should trick-or-treat with a trusted adult2. Only trick-or-treat in familiar areas that are well lit3. Cross streets at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks4. Look left, right and left again when crossing; always walk, don't run, when crossing streets5. Make eye contact with drivers and watch for cars that are turning or backing up6. Walk on sidewalks or paths; if there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible7. Never dart out into the street or cross in between parked cars8. Wear light-colored, flame-retardant, costumes decorated with retro-reflective tape or stickers9. Wear well-fitting, sturdy shoes to prevent trips and falls10. Carry a flashlight or glow stick to increase visibility to drivers11. Wear face paint and makeup; a mask can restrict a child's vision

For Motorists12. Be especially alert in residential neighborhoods13. Drive more slowly and anticipate heavy pedestrian traffic on and near the road14. Be sure to drive with your full headlights on so you can spot children from greater distances15. Take extra time to actively look for kids at intersections, on medians and on curbs16. Remember that costumes can limit children's visibility and they may not be able to see your vehicle17. Enter and exit driveways and alleys slowly and carefully18. Remember that children are excited on this night and may move in unpredictable ways19. Remember that popular trick-or-treating hours are during the typical rush-hour period, between 5:30-9:30 p.m.20. Reduce any distractions inside your car so you can concentrate on the road and pedestrians

Photo: Andy.Schultz/Flickr 

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Memo to Mamdani: Data Shows Massive Jump in Ridership on Bedford Avenue’s Embattled Bike Lane 

Hardened bike infrastructure increases the number of cyclists on the road — and here are the numbers to prove it.

January 15, 2026

Mamdani Must Reverse Adams Putting Cars on Park Roads: Advocates

It's time to undo Adams's car-first maneuvers, parks advocates said.

January 15, 2026

City Playing Catch-Up Amid E-Micromobility Surge on City Streets, Coalition Says

Local micromobility start-ups want Mayor Mamdani to take their industry seriously and make it easier to ride an e-bike in NYC.

January 15, 2026

Thursday’s Headlines: Affordability for Whom Edition

The honeymoon is definitely over, as you can see by the resetting of our bespoke Mamdani-O-Meter back to zero. Plus other news.

January 15, 2026

Gov. Hochul’s Uber-Backed Car Insurance ‘Reforms’ Threaten Payouts To Crash Victims

Hochul wants to limit payouts to crash victims under the guise of "affordability" and bogus claims about "staged crashes."

January 14, 2026

Cyclist Badly Injured By Truck Driver at Busy Midtown Corner

The victim may have lost her leg, one witness said.

See all posts