Spooks, Sparks, and Safety: Road Safety Tips for Halloween and Bonfire Night
Published 31 October 2025
Last updated 31 October 2025
Halloween and Bonfire Night are nearly here - do you feel ready for the busy roads? In this blog, we’ll explain what these holidays are and what you can do to help keep your family safe during the festivities.
Halloween and Bonfire Night are right around the corner, when families come together to go trick-or-treating or head off to watch the fireworks in their local communities. Kids dress up in Halloween costumes to knock on doors on 31 October, while families may walk together to join in the festivities of Bonfire Night on 5 November.
But what do these celebrations have to do with drivers? Well, with more people out and about, it’s important that drivers and riders are aware of how increased numbers of pedestrians can affect the roads.
The more people, the busier the roads!
Holidays are a chance for us to all come together as a community. This means some areas might have more people on the pavements compared to a normal day, and road users should be aware of the potential hazards.
Families will be walking with young children to get from house to house during trick-or-treating. Look around and plan your actions well ahead to avoid causing danger. More pedestrians will lead to more paths, pavements and pedestrian crossings being in use, which makes scanning the road and anticipating risky situations very important.
Spooky nights, dimmer lights
During winter the sun is lower in the sky, and the glare can make it very difficult to see other road users. Bad weather and long nights also reduce your ability to see clearly. When you add Halloween costumes and dark clothing to the mix, you can understand why you need to keep your eyes peeled!
Children are often harder to spot and might unexpectedly try to cross a street when they should not. Keep clear of parked cars, in case children try to step out between vehicles, and be observant of pedestrians even when not at pedestrian crossings. The fun of the festivities could lead to errors in judgement from pedestrians and younger kids.
What time is Halloween and Bonfire Night?
Understanding what’s happening in your neighbourhood during the holidays can help you prepare for your drive. Look up local events to see what time events start and finish so you can plan alternative routes if you need to.
Halloween typically has trick-or-treating from 5pm to 8pm, but local community times may vary. You’ll see houses with decorations or their lights on to show they’re ready for kids to visit for trick-or-treating, which could lead to those streets being even busier.
During Bonfire Night most fireworks are lit when it’s dark, but it’s best to check local listings for more specific information in your area. This could lead to busier roads as drivers try to find parking near their destination. Take time to look up where and when things are happening so you can plan your trip before you get behind the wheel.
Driving tips for the holidays
Slow down in residential areas
Slowing down will give you more time to respond to developing hazards. Take care to slow down even more in areas where young children and families are outside.
Stay off your phone
The Highway Code rule 149 states you MUST NOT use a hand-held mobile phone, or similar device, when driving or when supervising a learner driver, except to call 999 or 112 in a genuine emergency when it is unsafe or impractical to stop. Stay off your phone as you drive to keep yourself free from any unnecessary distractions.
Use your headlights
Remember to switch your headlights on when it is dark, or in dull or wet daytime weather. You may be able to see, but you also need to be seen clearly by others.
Keep an eye out for children and families
Remember that young kids might cross the road unexpectedly, so keep your eyes peeled as you drive.
Safety reminder for parents and pedestrians
Pedestrians should also be responsible road users. As you get ready for the Halloween and Bonfire Night festivities with your loved ones, remember these tips to help keep everyone in your group safe.
Dress kids in reflective gear and carry torches
When it is dark, make sure your group wears reflective materials like armbands, sashes or jackets. You might be able to find a fun way to incorporate it into costumes!
Stay on the pavements and use pedestrian crossings
It is important to stay on pavements, even if they are crowded by trick-or-treaters or people walking to see fireworks. For your safety, use pedestrian crossings where possible. If it is dark and there are no pedestrian crossings, cross the road near a street light so you will be seen by traffic.
Be aware of your surroundings
It’s important for pedestrians to be aware of surroundings. Avoid unnecessary distractions, and look both ways if you have to step into the road.
Supervise children closely
Creating smaller groups with fewer children per adult will help you supervise them closely during the holidays. With young children, hold their hands firmly and keep between them and the traffic. Make sure they do not run ahead of you.
Time to celebrate and enjoy the holidays!
Now that you know some safety tips to help keep you safe as a pedestrian, driver or rider, it’s time to enjoy the festive activities! Planning your day with your friends or family will be the best way to prepare for any journeys before you reach your destination.
Remember to celebrate responsibly – do not drink alcohol and drive after any parties or displays. Prepare for your journey home ahead of time by making sure you either have a designated driver, know the times that public transport runs, or pre-book a taxi so you can safely get home after the fun is done.
Be patient in busy areas as both a pedestrian and driver: remember that everyone is entitled to use the road.
If you find busy roads to be stressful and want to learn how to boost your confidence and drive safely, you can find helpful guidance in The Official DVSA Guide to Better Driving. From learners to experienced drivers, this book will help you stay safe as you understand how your thoughts and feelings can affect your behaviour behind the wheel.
Stay safe and aware during the holiday season and we’ll catch you in the next blog.
