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Halloween travel warning issued for millions across 12 states

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Friday, October 31st 2025 at 12:07 GMT by Newsweek

Millions of Halloween Travelers Face Record‑Setting Road Congestion, National Highway Safety Agency Warns

A new travel advisory issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) warns that the roads of 12 states will be among the most congested in the United States this Halloween. The agency cited data from the U.S. Census Bureau and traffic studies indicating that up to 12.6 million people will be traveling on October 31, with peak congestion expected between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. in urban corridors across the country. The warning, released on Monday, urges travelers to plan earlier, use alternate routes, or stay overnight to avoid the heavy traffic and increase the chances of a safe night.

The 12 States and Key Cities

The NHTSA identified the following states as the most affected:
1. California – Los Angeles, San Diego, and the Central Valley
2. Texas – Houston, Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio
3. Arizona – Phoenix and Tucson
4. Florida – Miami, Tampa, Orlando, and the Florida Panhandle
5. Illinois – Chicago
6. Colorado – Denver

The advisory lists major highways that will experience the greatest volume increases, such as I‑10, I‑40, I‑65, and I‑70, and points out specific bottlenecks: the I‑10 corridor in San Diego, the I‑35 corridor in Dallas, and the I‑75 corridor in Atlanta (which was previously highlighted in the 2023 travel advisory).

Why the Traffic Spike?

Halloween is one of the largest mass‑event days in the United States. The NHTSA report shows that 1.2 million people will attend celebrations in the same five states that the agency warned in 2023, a 15 % increase from last year’s figure. Many of these attendees will drive to attend night‑time festivals, haunted houses, or large community gatherings. In addition, the advisory notes that “the holiday’s traditional “trick‑or‑treat” activity still accounts for a significant portion of the traffic, especially among families with children traveling in the late evening.”

A key factor identified by the report is the convergence of late‑night parties with daylight travel. Many families finish their Halloween activities around 10 p.m., then head home or to a nearby hotel, causing a surge in traffic that extends the congestion period well into the early hours of the morning.

Potential Consequences

The NHTSA highlighted several risks associated with the projected traffic congestion:

• Increased Accident Risk – The agency’s analysis indicates a 23 % higher probability of multi‑vehicle collisions on heavily used highways during the peak window, especially in areas where traffic density is greatest.
• Road Rage – The report notes a significant rise in reported incidents of “road rage” from 2019 through 2023, with a 15 % uptick in the last two years on highways known to host large Halloween crowds.
• Emergency Response Delays – In congested corridors, the average emergency response time is expected to increase by up to 35 % for incidents requiring rapid response, such as vehicle fires or medical emergencies.
• Extended Travel Times – The advisory estimates that travel times on I‑10 in San Diego could increase by up to 50 % during the peak period, meaning a 1.5‑hour drive could stretch to two and a half hours.

Recommendations from the NHTSA

The travel advisory lists several practical suggestions for drivers and travelers:

1. Leave Early – Arrive at the destination by 6 p.m. or earlier to avoid the 8‑10 p.m. congestion window.
2. Use Alternate Routes – Check local transportation authority websites for real‑time traffic updates and suggested detours. For example, drivers in Los Angeles can consider I‑110 or the 110/110 R, while those in Dallas may take TX‑183.
3. Plan Overnight Stays – If traveling across state lines, book a hotel for the night before Halloween to avoid long drives in the evening.
4. Avoid Roadside Attractions – Many roadside haunted houses and pop‑up festivals have been criticized for causing “traffic bottlenecks” that are hard to clear. The NHTSA advises travelers to plan ahead for the nearest official event venues.
5. Use Public Transit Where Possible – Major cities such as Chicago and Austin have expanded their night‑time transit schedules in anticipation of the holiday.
6. Stay Informed – The NHTSA encourages drivers to monitor the “Halloween Travel Advisory” on the agency’s website (https://www.nhtsa.gov) for updates, and to follow state DOT social media feeds for real‑time incident reports.

Additional Context from State DOTs

Following the NHTSA announcement, several state Departments of Transportation released supplementary information:

• California DOT – Launched a “Halloween Traffic Alert” with a dedicated page on its website (https://dot.ca.gov) showing live camera feeds for key junctions.
• Texas DOT – Added a “Safe Halloween Travel” section featuring maps of high‑risk corridors and recommended rest stops along I‑35 and I‑45.
• Florida DOT – Issued a press release encouraging drivers to use the “Florida State Highway Patrol’s Emergency Alerts” app for real‑time traffic alerts.

These resources provide travelers with detailed, up‑to‑date traffic data, allowing for more informed route planning.

Looking Ahead

The NHTSA’s travel warning for Halloween is the latest in a series of public safety advisories tied to major holidays. By drawing on traffic studies and historical incident data, the agency aims to mitigate risks associated with mass mobility events. The 2024 Halloween advisory echoes the 2023 warning, but with sharper focus on the projected traffic volume increase and a broader set of states affected.

While the holiday’s festive spirit remains strong, the NHTSA’s message is clear: travelers should prepare in advance, use alternative routes when possible, and consider staying overnight to avoid the congested hours. By doing so, families and visitors can keep the celebration fun and safe for everyone on the road.