Before Halloween on 31 October 2026, prepare the rental car for night driving, slow down, scan for children and pedestrians, and plan a ride home without impaired driving.
Prepare visibility before entering neighbourhood streets
NHTSA expects more pedestrians in unexpected places around Halloween. Before dusk, clean the windshield, mirrors and lamps, confirm the lights work, and adjust the seat and mirrors. Set the destination and phone before moving; do not change navigation while children may be walking between parked cars.
Slow down and scan the road in layers
In neighbourhoods and party car parks, expect a child to move suddenly. Scan the pavement, crossings and gaps between vehicles, and stop well back from a crosswalk. Turn slowly, never pass a vehicle stopped at a crossing, and check camera, mirrors and the area itself immediately before reversing.
Decide the ride-home plan before the party
NHTSA says nearly half of 2024 Halloween-night crash fatalities were alcohol-related. Choose a driver who will not drink, or book a taxi or ride service and leave the rental legally parked. If you drink, do not drive for any reason; collect the keys the next day only when you can drive safely.
Sources and verification
- www.nhtsa.gov — accessed 2026-10-29
- www.nhtsa.gov — accessed 2026-10-29