ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Traffic crashes occurring on Halloween killed 103 people across Florida over a decade, including six in Orange County, according to a new analysis of federal records.
Allen Law Firm examined crashes recorded in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System on Oct. 31 each year from 2015 through 2024.
The analysis identified 97 fatal crashes statewide across those 10 Halloween dates. Orange County accounted for six crashes and six deaths.
Higher daily crash average on Halloween
Florida averaged 9.7 fatal crashes per Halloween, compared with 8.42 per day during Oct. 1 through Oct. 30 across the same years, according to the analysis. That represents a 15.2% higher daily average.
The comparison does not account for differences in traffic volumes or the days of the week on which Halloween fell. It does not establish that an individual’s crash risk increased by that percentage.
The figures cover the entire Oct. 31 calendar day, rather than only nighttime or trick-or-treating hours. They include all fatal traffic crashes, not just those involving pedestrians, children or alcohol.
Where fatal crashes occurred
Broward and Miami-Dade counties recorded the most Halloween fatal crashes in the analysis, with 11 each.
| Broward | 11 | 12 |
| Miami-Dade | 11 | 11 |
| Lee | 7 | 7 |
| Duval | 6 | 6 |
| Orange | 6 | 6 |
| Palm Beach | 6 | 7 |
These selected county totals are included in the statewide figures.
The analysis counts deaths resulting from crashes that occurred on Halloween, even if the person died afterward. NHTSA’s database includes qualifying crashes resulting in a death within 30 days.
Staying safe on Halloween
NHTSA’s Halloween safety guidance reminds drivers to watch for increased pedestrian traffic and people crossing in unexpected places.
Drivers should slow down in neighborhoods, put phones away and check carefully before turning or backing out of driveways.
Families walking should use sidewalks and crossings where available, carry flashlights and add reflective materials to costumes. Anyone planning to drink should arrange a sober ride in advance.
The law firm noted that the 2024 data used in its analysis remain subject to revision.
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