When Trick-or-Treat Turns Tragic: Where Teen Drivers Face the Greatest Halloween Dangers
A chilling new study shows that Pima County, Arizona, ranks first in the United States for teen driver fatal crashes. This occurs during Halloween month. This raises renewed concern over road safety for young motorists.
The findings, compiled by Steve Gimblin Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers, analyzed crash statistics from 2019 to 2023. This analysis covered hundreds of U.S. counties using data from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Crash Data Analysis and Statistics (CDAN) platform.
Pima County Leads the Nation in Teen Driver Fatalities
According to the research, Pima County reported an average of 8.33 young driver fatalities per 100,000 residents aged 15–19 during October — a figure 245.6% higher than the national average of 2.41.
Pima County has a teenage population of 69,645. An average of six fatal crashes involving young drivers occurred each October over the five-year period. The most tragic year was 2020, which recorded nine fatalities, while 2021 marked the lowest with none.
These findings make Pima County the most dangerous place in the nation for teen drivers during Halloween season.
Ohio and Arizona Follow Closely Behind
Franklin County, Ohio, ranked second, averaging 5.66 young driver fatalities per 100,000 residents — 134.9% above the national average. With nearly 85,000 teenagers aged 15–19, the county recorded about five teen driver fatalities each October from 2019 to 2023. Deaths peaked in 2022 with eight fatalities and dropped to zero in 2020.
Coming in third, Maricopa County, Arizona, had an average of 5.31 teen driver fatalities per 100,000 residents, 120.3% above the national average. Home to more than 300,000 teens, Maricopa experienced an average of 16 fatalities each October. The worst years were 2022 (23 fatalities) and 2023 (21 fatalities), while 2019 saw just five.
Expert Warning: “Halloween Is One of the Most Dangerous Times”
A spokesperson for Steve Gimblin Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers emphasized the risks associated with the Halloween season. Celebrations and night driving often mix during this time.
“Halloween is one of the most dangerous times for teen drivers, as festivities, nighttime driving, and increased traffic collide. The data shows that certain counties, especially Arizona and California, have become fatal hotspots for young motorists.
These findings should serve as a wake-up call for parents and local authorities to emphasize safe driving habits and curfews during Halloween.”
California Also Among the Riskiest States
Fresno County, California, ranked fourth, averaging 5.04 fatalities per 100,000 young drivers, which is 109.1% higher than the national average. Among its 75,336 teenage residents, the county saw an average of four fatal crashes each October. The deadliest year was 2021, with eight deaths, while 2023 saw just one.
Next, San Bernardino County, California, placed fifth with 4.92 fatalities per 100,000 residents, about 104.1% above the national rate. Among its 158,597 teen drivers, the county recorded an average of eight fatalities each October. 2019 was the worst year with ten deaths, while 2022 marked a relative low at six.
Top 10 U.S. Counties With Highest Teen Driver Fatalities During Halloween
According to the report, these are the ten counties where teen drivers face the highest risk of fatal crashes in October:
- 1. Pima County, Arizona – 8.33 per 100,000
- 2. Franklin County, Ohio – 5.66 per 100,000
- 3. Maricopa County, Arizona – 5.31 per 100,000
- 4. Fresno County, California – 5.04 per 100,000
- 5. San Bernardino County, California – 4.92 per 100,000
- 6. Gwinnett County, Georgia – 4.64 per 100,000
- 7. Dallas County, Texas – 4.24 per 100,000
- 8. Hillsborough County, Florida – 4.07 per 100,000
- 9. Tarrant County, Texas – 3.99 per 100,000
- 10. Palm Beach County, Florida – 3.88 per 100,000
The Safest Counties for Teen Drivers
While some regions show alarming figures, others reported zero fatalities during the study period. Fairfax County, Virginia, and New York County, New York, both recorded no teen driver deaths in October from 2019–2023. This is almost 100% below the national average.
Experts say these safer results may be linked to better public transit systems. Stricter teen driving laws may also contribute. Additionally, greater parental oversight plays a role.
The report aimed to identify regions where young drivers face the highest seasonal risks. It also sought to encourage road safety awareness among families and local officials.
Halloween Driving Safety: What Parents Can Do
Experts recommend that parents and guardians take proactive steps to keep teen drivers safe during Halloween month:
- Set earlier curfews to avoid late-night driving.
- Remind teens about seatbelt use and sober driving.
- Encourage group travel or designated drivers for parties.
- Review local curfew laws and traffic safety programs.
Simple precautions can make the difference between a fun night out and a devastating tragedy.
A Sobering Reminder for Halloween
The findings serve as a powerful reminder that Halloween celebrations can carry deadly consequences for inexperienced drivers. Pima County tops the list. Advocates hope families and schools will renew their focus on driver education. They also emphasize nighttime safety.
About Steve Gimblin Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers
Based in California, Steve Gimblin Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers represents victims of car, truck, and motorcycle accidents. Attorney Steve Gimblin leads the firm. They help injured clients navigate complex insurance claims. The firm also secures fair compensation after serious collisions.
The firm also raises awareness through data-driven studies like this one, highlighting trends that impact drivers and communities nationwide.
For more information, visit the firm’s official site at The research by Steve Gimblin Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers .
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