Risk of pedestrian death on Halloween increases by 43% on Halloween compared to control days, according to new research led by Division member Dr. John Staples.
“Collecting ‘trick-or-treat’ candy from neighbours has been a Halloween tradition among children for over a century, and adult Halloween parties have become increasingly popular in bars and on campuses across North America,” said Dr. Staples. “We wondered if the combination of dark costumes, excitement and alcohol made the streets more dangerous for pedestrians. Our findings suggest that it does.”
The study was mentioned in over 70 news outlets worldwide, including CBC, Global News, The Los Angeles Times, CBS News, Business Insider UK, and Forbes. For more information, read the study published in JAMA Pediatrics and the UBC news release.