Halloween poll: So, what's scary to Americans?

October 28, 2007

BY ASSOCIATED PRESS

NEW YORK -- Can't remember what's special about Oct. 31? That's really scary.

A survey of 1,037 Americans found that about 21 percent say losing their memories is their top fear this Halloween, followed by being buried alive (which worries about 19 percent). Even snakes (the top fear for 11.5 percent surveyed) beat out a terrorist attack (10.4 percent).

The survey, commissioned by FearNet.com, a Web site and video-on-demand service devoted to horror movies and thrillers, also asked respondents to pick the scariest horror movies to watch on Halloween. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre chilled 20 percent, while Halloween terrified 13.5 percent.

And if they could spend Halloween with a horror character, sexy mistress of the night Elvira was the top choice for a trick-or-treat date.

As for whom they fear the most, it was just about a tie. Given a list that included two world-stage players among zombies and devils you know (such as your boss), Osama bin Laden took 26.4 percent of the vote and President George Bush pulled in 24.2 percent.

The telephone survey of 525 men and 512 women was conducted Oct. 10 to 14 for FearNet.com by ICR, a research firm in Media, Pa.

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