Study shows Florida drivers face frightening odds on Halloween

While Halloween can be spooky in any locale, Florida ranks among the scariest places when it comes to fatal car accidents on the night of trick-or-treat.

A new study by the Melbourne-based law firm Andrew Pickett Law assessed traffic data for every state and found Florida roads can be downright frightening on Halloween. The Sunshine State ranked as the 12th-most deadly state for drivers during the holiday.

Analysts with Andrew Pickett Law tapped data from the U.S. Department of Transportation Fatality and Injury Reporting System Tool (FIRST) to formulate its list. The ranking was based on FIRST figures for fatal crashes on Halloween between 2013 and 2023.

The most treacherous state on Halloween in the country is Kentucky. According to the law firm’s analysis, there were 9.10 fatal accidents per every 1 million residents in that state. That’s 134.57% higher than the average across the U.S.

That was followed by South Dakota in second and Arkansas in third. Ten of the top 20 most perilous states on Halloween were from the Southern U.S.

Florida registered 5.48 fatalities per 1 million residents. That comes out to about a total of 120.56 people who die on Halloween in the state due to traffic wrecks. Florida’s ranking is also substantially higher than the national average, eclipsing it by 41.25%, according to the report.

Andrew Pickett, owner of the Space Coast law firm, said that given the ranking, Floridians need to step up their game in preparing to take to the streets on Halloween.

“As the festivities approach, it’s crucial for Florida drivers and families to prioritize road safety. Drivers should adopt responsible habits such as reducing speed, staying alert, and avoiding distractions, particularly in residential areas with trick-or-treaters,” Picket said. “Local authorities can support these efforts by enhancing street lighting, installing speed bumps, and increasing police patrols to deter reckless driving.”

Florida was preceded by Montana, which came in 11th, and was followed by Alaska at 13th.

On the other end of Halloween traffic concerns, Vermont was ranked as the safest state, with zero traffic fatalities per 1 million residents. Hawaii was ranked 49th and New York came in at 48th. No Southern states were listed among the safest 10 states for Halloween traffic.