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Halloween Safety Tips

By 250 News

This is the last day of  ICBC's "ZeroCrash Month Challenge."

"With the end of daylight savings, poorer weather and Halloween taking place, extra care and attention are essential. "Motorists and pedestrians should always be careful but October can be an exceptionally dangerous month," said Laurie Baker, ICBC's Manager of Road Safety. "It's getting darker earlier, the roads can be slippery, the visibility poor, and, of course, tonight, on Halloween, the streets will be filled with some very excited children." 

Last year in B.C. the number of pedestrian-related crashes in October increased to 212 from 153 in September. Six pedestrians were killed in October
last year- double the number in September- and 217 pedestrians were injured, up by 58 from the previous month. 

November, December and January are also dangerous months for drivers and pedestrians. "Think about safety and plan ahead," said Baker. "Drivers and
pedestrians can do their part to help make every month Zero Crash Month."

This Halloween, motorists should:

- Be alert and use caution. Watch for excited youngsters who may dart out into traffic from between parked cars.
- Watch for children walking on roadways, medians and curbs.
- Slow down, especially in residential neighbourhoods and school and playground areas.
- Be patient when children are crossing the street. Costumes could impair their ability to get out of the way quickly.
- Enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully.
- If you are dropping children off, make sure they exit on the curbside, away from traffic.

Trick-or-treaters should:

- Wear light-coloured costumes and reflective tape on costumes, bikes and skateboards to help ensure that motorists can see you
- Carry a flashlight.
- Remain on well-lit streets and to always use the sidewalk. Walk, don't run, from house to house.
- Complete your trick-or-treating calls at houses on one side of the street before crossing to the other side.
- Cross only at intersections and corners, not in the middle of the block or between parked cars
- Walk on the left side of the road, facing traffic if there are no sidewalks.

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