Halloween Roadway Safety for Kansas and Missouri Families

Halloween falls on Saturday, October 31, 2026. Across Kansas and Missouri, families will be getting ready for neighborhood walks, costumes and time with friends. Before heading out, take a few minutes to plan how everyone will travel between those stops and get home.

At Biesterveld & Crook, we want our neighbors to enjoy the evening. Whether you're walking in Overland Park, visiting family in Olathe or driving across Kansas City, a few thoughtful choices can help protect the people sharing the road with you.

Give trick-or-treaters time and space

If you're driving, expect people near the street and in places where you might not normally see them. Children may move unexpectedly when they spot friends or the next decorated house. Slow down, scan ahead and give yourself room to stop. NHTSA's Halloween guidance puts extra attention and slower driving at the center of its advice.

Pay particular attention when turning into a neighborhood, crossing a sidewalk or backing out of a driveway. Look for people on both sides before moving. A familiar route still deserves your full attention.

At crosswalks, approach slowly and be ready to stop. Leave space before the crossing so other drivers can see people walking. Never go around a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk; someone may be crossing in front of it. These are among NHTSA's pedestrian safety recommendations for drivers.

Put your phone away before the trip. Have a passenger handle messages or directions, or stop somewhere safe before checking them. Keep watching for pedestrians after the main trick-or-treating activity ends, too.

Plan the walk before the candy bags come out

Choose a route with sidewalks, good lighting and places to cross where the group has a clear view of traffic. When possible, favor streets with slower speeds and less traffic. The CDC recommends these kinds of precautions for walking and rolling.

Have a responsible adult walk with younger children and help them judge when to cross. Agree that everyone will wait together at each crossing rather than chasing the next house. NHTSA advises that children age 10 and younger walk with a parent.

Use sidewalks where available. If there isn't one, walk facing approaching traffic and stay as far from vehicles as you safely can. MoDOT's Halloween roadway guidance also emphasizes checking that traffic has stopped or passed before stepping into the road.

Cross at intersections or marked crossings when possible, follow pedestrian signals and check every direction, including for turning vehicles. Keep looking as you cross. A wave or a driver's glance is not a reason to step in front of a moving vehicle.

Make visibility part of the costume

Add reflective material to clothing or bags and bring a working flashlight. If an extra layer goes over the costume, keep the reflective material visible. Adults should make themselves easier to see, too. The CDC recommends reflective clothing and lights after dark.

Before leaving, make sure everyone can see clearly in their costume. Put phones away while walking near traffic, and pause in a safe place for photos. Give the supervising adult room to focus on the group and the next crossing.

Set up a sober ride before the party

If your plans include alcohol, arrange a sober driver, taxi or rideshare before you go. If you drink, leave the driving to someone sober. Hosts can help by making ride options easy to arrange and offering alcohol-free drinks. NHTSA recommends planning that trip home before drinking begins.

A quick checklist before heading out

Drivers

• Slow down around people and prepare for unexpected movement
• Check sidewalks, driveways and crossings before proceeding
• Put the phone away and drive sober

Families and walking groups

• Choose the route and who will supervise younger children
• Check flashlights and reflective materials
• Stay together, use sidewalks and cross carefully
• Plan a safe ride home when needed

From Caleb and Dustin: have a happy Halloween, and thank you for looking out for your neighbors.

Questions after a roadway injury

If a roadway injury has left you with questions, Biesterveld & Crook can discuss your situation and possible next steps. Call (913) 353-5870 or request a free consultation.

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This article provides general information, not legal advice. Contacting the firm does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Every case depends on its facts, and no outcome is guaranteed.