Halloween Myths, Debunked

Our friends at EpicVin.com put together a list of Halloween myths and some do actually involve cars!

1) “Poisoned candy is the big danger.”

Myth. The biggest Halloween risk isn’t candy. It’s cars and traffic at dusk.

• Kids are short, fast, and hard to see in dark costumes.
• Most close calls happen at driveways, intersections, and between parked cars.

Drivers:

• Slow down in neighborhoods.
• Headlights on early. Eyes up, no phone.
• Expect a kid to step out at any time.

Parents:

• Cross at corners. Use glow sticks or reflective tape.
• Walk kids on the inside of the sidewalk, away from the curb.
• Save candy for home, not while crossing streets.

2) “Cars don’t face more crime on Halloween.”

Myth. Vandalism and theft risks do bump up, especially after dark.

Quick protections:

• Park in a garage or a bright spot under cameras.
• Leave the cabin empty and visible (no bags, no cables).
• If you have a dashcam, angle it so it sees the hood and the approach path.

If something happens:

• Take photos, rinse off any gunk, then call your insurer.
• Comprehensive auto coverage (not liability) is what handles vandalism and theft.
• Personal items stolen from the car are usually a home or renter’s insurance claim.

3) “Eggs, shaving cream, silly string—harmless.”

Myth. Some of these can stain or etch paint if they dry (See our article today on what to do if your car gets egged.)

Clean-up that works:

• Flood the area with cool water first.
• Use car soap and a soft microfiber towel; lift, don’t scrub shells into the clear coat.
• If you see dull spots after cleaning, stop. A detailer can polish safely.

4) “Sugar in the gas tank will melt the engine.”

Myth. Sugar doesn’t dissolve in gasoline. The real risk is a clogged fuel filter.

If you suspect a prank:

• Don’t start the car. Tow it.
• Ask the shop to drop the tank and inspect the filter and pickup.
• This is annoying, not a guaranteed engine death.

Hollywood also lies about tailpipes. A banana or potato in the exhaust usually gets blasted out. It’s not an explosion gag.

5) “Full moon causes crashes because…werewolves?”

Myth, with a real-world twist. People get distracted by bright moonlight, and fall is peak deer movement. That means more sudden crossings, especially on rural roads.

Do this on moonlit fall nights:

• Drive a little slower after sunset.
• Scan the road edges for eyeshine.
• If you see one deer, assume more are close.

6) “Decorating your car is always fine.”

Myth. Many states ban anything that blocks your view. Keep props off the windshield and dash. Secure exterior pieces so they don’t fly off. If a cop thinks your view is blocked, you can be stopped.

Reddit weighs in from real people

• A popular thread argues “trunk-or-treat” is a car-first workaround that grew because streets feel unsafe after dark.
  
  
• A local Reddit Halloween post says the scariest thing for parents isn’t candy—it’s traffic.

Takeaway from Reddit: people change plans because streets feel risky at night. The data and our experience line up with that.

Quick, kid-friendly checklists

For drivers tonight

• Drive like it’s raining.
• Lights on at dusk.
• No phone. No exceptions.

For families

• Cross with adults.
• Wear something that glows.
• Don’t dart between parked cars.

For your parked car

• Use a garage or bright spot.
• Car cover helps against eggs and string.
• If hit, rinse first, then document, then call insurance.

One last myth to retire

“Halloween is only chaos.” Not true. With slower streets, visible costumes, and smart parking, Halloween stays fun and safe. The risks are real—but manageable.

Photo credit: Nekrasov Eugene/Shutterstock.com.