Three southern Colorado communities found themselves on a sobering list of the state’s most dangerous places for trick‑or‑treating, according to a new study released by The Brown Law Firm of Steamboat Springs. Pueblo topped the ranking, while Cañon City placed seventh and Colorado Springs ninth.
How the study was compiled
The Brown Law Firm, which handles criminal‑defense and personal‑injury cases, said it conducted the analysis after a request for data on the safest Halloween neighborhoods went unanswered online. “This is the first year,” firm spokesperson Chris Cooke explained. “Someone had asked us which areas had the least amount of accidents. We Googled it and couldn’t find anything, so we gathered the data!”
The firm based its findings on statistics from the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), the U.S. Census Bureau and two national safety sources. CDOT cautioned that much of its crash data is preliminary and subject to revision, noting that more crashes typically occur in the fall because of shorter daylight hours and increased outdoor activity.
Local reaction
Police departments in Pueblo and Colorado Springs declined to comment directly on the study’s rankings. However, a public information officer for the Colorado Springs Police Department, Derek Wilson, emphasized the importance of scrutinizing data. “When information comes out, it’s important to always look at the data and understand that data can be spliced and diced in many different ways,” Wilson said.
Cooke stressed that the firm’s intent was not to frighten families away from Halloween celebrations. “While there are many things to be scared of on Halloween, trick‑or‑treating should not be one of them,” he said. “That said, kids are excited, some are wearing masks which block vision, and some are out late running across the street in dark clothing.”
What the rankings mean for families
Parents in the highlighted cities are encouraged to take extra precautions this Halloween. Simple steps such as ensuring children wear reflective gear, using flashlights, and supervising younger trick‑or‑treaters can reduce the risk of accidents. Community groups and local churches are also planning safety walks and neighborhood patrols to help keep streets safe after dark.
Officials from the Colorado Department of Transportation reminded drivers to reduce speed in residential areas, especially during evening hours when children are likely to be on sidewalks. “Visibility is lower and pedestrians, especially children in costume, may be harder to see,” a CDOT spokesperson said.
Looking ahead
The Brown Law Firm plans to update its analysis next year, hoping to track whether safety initiatives and public awareness campaigns make a measurable difference. In the meantime, the firm’s spokesperson reiterated that the study was meant to inform, not alarm, the public. “Our goal is to give families the information they need to make safe choices,” Cooke said.
As Halloween approaches, community leaders across Pueblo, Cañon City and Colorado Springs are urging residents to enjoy the holiday responsibly, keeping safety at the forefront of celebrations.
Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.
