Everybody knows about the common fear among parents that their child’s Halloween candy could contain dangerous substances, including sharp objects, poisons or even drugs such as fentanyl. Some parents even go to hospitals to get their child’s candy X-rayed out of an abundance of caution. While fearing for children’s safety on Halloween is valid, this urban legend has been debunked time and time again. In fact, it’s more likely that the real monster is in your own home.

On Halloween in 1974, Ryan O’Bryan, commonly known as the Candyman Killer, poisoned his  8-year-old son’s and other children’s Pixy Stix with cyanide. The 8-year-old died an hour later in the hospital. This case is consistent with most child homicides. Nine times out of ten, children are murdered by a family member or a close friend of the family. Nevertheless, the murder struck fear throughout the Houston area in the 70s; people believed that if someone could do that to their own son, what would stop them from doing the same thing to other children? That said, experts believe parents have very little to worry about when taking their children trick-or-treating. Halloween candy is almost always untampered with and it should be the least of parents’ concerns on Halloween night. 

While crime rates spike every year on Halloween night, it’s not in the spooky way one would think. The most common crimes committed on Halloween night are all related to irresponsible fun-having. DWIs, vandalism and disorderly conduct are at the top of the list. The biggest risk presented to children on Halloween night is being hit by reckless or intoxicated drivers. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, pedestrians’ risk of being killed in an accident is increased to 43% on Halloween night.

What can people do to stay safe on Halloween? There are many precautions people can take on Halloween to ensure the safety of themselves and others. If their child is wearing a costume, make sure it doesn’t obstruct the child’s view or is so long they could trip while trick or treating. Adults should make sure before partying that there’s an assigned, designated driver, and be extra cautious for pedestrians. It’s especially important that the weekend before, and during Halloween people are extra aware of their surroundings while out having fun.

Happy Halloween everyone!