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Needles in Candy Aren’t the Only Halloween Threat — Florida Among Top 10 U.S. States With the Most Fatal Pedestrian Crashes

By  //  December 24, 2025

A new study reveals that Florida recorded the fifth-highest rate of fatal pedestrian crashes in October between 2019 and 2023, showing that the real Halloween danger lies on the streets, not in the candy.

The research by personal injury lawyers H&P Law analyzed fatal pedestrian crash data during the month of October across U.S. states between 2019 and 2023, sourced from the NHTSA (CDAN) database. By evaluating the average number of October fatal pedestrian crashes per million residents, the study identifies the most dangerous states for pedestrians – and, by extension, for trick-or-treaters.

Florida ranks fifth with an annual average of 3.36 fatal pedestrian crashes per million residents each October, which is 67.2% higher than the national average of 2.01. With a population of 21,941,143, the Sunshine State averaged 74 pedestrian fatalities each Halloween month between 2019 and 2023. Florida recorded its highest crashes in 2022 (82) and its lowest in 2023 (62).

Looking at the study, a spokesperson from H&P Law commented,

“Halloween should be about costumes and candy, not tragedy. The data is a clear reminder that while parents check treats for safety, the real threat often lies on the roads. States like Florida, with higher pedestrian crash rates, emphasize the need for greater driver awareness, improved visibility, and stronger pedestrian safety measures during Halloween festivities.”

Table of Extended Results:

Top 10 U.S. States With the Highest Fatal Pedestrian Crashes During Halloween
U.S. State Fatal Pedestrian Crashes in October per Million Residents Rank
New Mexico 4.74 1
South Carolina 3.98 2
Louisiana 3.81 3
Arizona 3.53 4
Florida 3.36 5
Delaware 2.99 6
Georgia 2.90 7
Tennessee 2.84 8
California 2.81 9
Nevada 2.80 10

The study was conducted by H&P Law, an experienced personal injury law firm dedicated to protecting clients’ rights and maximizing claim value.

Methodology

This research analyzed fatal pedestrian crash data in October from 2019 to 2023, comparing selected U.S. states using information from the NHTSA (CDAN) database. By examining state populations alongside crashes per million residents, the study identified the states with the highest risk for trick-or-treaters during Halloween.

Data Source: