It may be a night of spooks and spirits — but it's real-life children who are at most risk on the dark streets, so be careful out there tonight.
Fraser Health has issued some Halloween safety reminders for Oct. 31, noting that tonight is likely to be busier than ever, given that COVID-19 health restrictions are no longer in place.
“We want everyone to be alert and aware of their surroundings while on roads to ensure safety for drivers and trick-or-treaters,” said Dr. Emily Newhouse, Fraser Health medical health officer, in a press release.
Take note of the following tips from Fraser Health to keep everyone safe tonight.
Halloween safety tips for trick-or-treaters
- Be visible: Choose costumes that are lighter in colour, bring flashlights or glow sticks, and add reflective material to costumes, candy bags and shoes to ensure that children are visible to drivers.
- Go as a group: Trick-or-treating in a group can be fun and makes everyone more visible to drivers. An adult should always accompany children younger than 12.
- Follow pedestrian rules: Remind children to always walk on sidewalks, cross only at crosswalks and refrain from walking between parked cars or through front yards.
Halloween safety tips for drivers
- Be alert: Drive slowly in residential areas to allow you more time to scan the road and react unexpectedly, if needed. Watch for children darting out from between parked cars.
- Take your time at stops: When you are nearing stop signs or intersections, come to a complete stop, scan the crosswalk and check multiple times before you start driving.
- Do not drink and drive: Arrange for a ride with a designated driver, take transit, use a ridesharing app or call a taxi to get home safely.
- Keep driving safely after Halloween night: With darker driving conditions during fall and winter months, it becomes harder to see pedestrians. Wet roads can mean it takes longer to stop. Taking your time and actively watch for pedestrians.
A few extra Halloween safety tips for everyone
- Make sure your cellphone is charged in case of an emergency.
- Check treats before consuming, and do not eat candy with unsealed or broken wrappers.
Follow Julie MacLellan on Twitter @juliemaclellan.
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