Hallowe’en costumes can be as much fun for adults as they are for kids. But a mask that blocks your side vision, or a cape that drags behind you, can turn a fun night (or a costume day at work) into a trip, a slip or a near miss. Here’s how to keep your line of sight clear and your footing sure.
Can you see where you’re going?
Costumes create visibility hazards: you can’t see an obstacle, a hazard or another person in your path.
- Masks narrow your side vision, hiding curbs, steps and traffic.
- Hoods, wigs and big hats block your view when you turn to check for cars.
- Large props work like a tall cart: you can’t see what’s in front of your feet.
Drivers have blind spots too, behind the pillars beside the windshield. Around forklifts, we make eye contact with the driver before we cross. A mask makes eye contact impossible.
About one in five nighttime pedestrian deaths involve dark clothing (Statistics Canada). Health Canada recommends face paint instead of masks, and bright or reflective costumes.
Watch your step
Late October brings wet leaves, frost and dark porches, just when we head out in our least practical footwear.
- Long hems, capes and tails catch underfoot on stairs.
- Costume shoes have little grip on wet or icy surfaces.
- Full hands leave nothing free for the railing.
Footwear matters more than most people think. Better treads, fewer falls on icy surfaces! And while we may not have ice and snow on Hallowe’en this year, rain can also make grass, leaves, and pathways slippery.
Costume day at work?
Costume contests are great for morale. Where there’s moving equipment, set a few ground rules:
- Masks off near forklifts, vehicles and machinery.
- Nothing loose (capes, tails, long sleeves) near moving parts.
- Safety footwear and PPE stay on. A costume goes over them, never instead.
Take action!
- Test the line of sight. Choose face paint or wide eye openings, so your child can see traffic and ghouls approaching from the side.
- Light it up with reflective tape and a flashlight.
- Shorten hems to above the ankle.
- Wear shoes with grip and keep one hand free for the railing.
- Clear your steps of pumpkins and decorations, and turn on the porch light.
- Drivers, slow down and turn your head to check your blind spots.
Have a safe and spooky Hallowe’en!
Sources
- Halloween safety, Health Canada (updated September 2026)
- Staying safe on Halloween, Statistics Canada (October 2023)