CAA South Central Ontario (SCO) is reminding motorists and trick-or-treaters to be safe, visible and vigilant tomorrow night on Halloween.
Normally quiet streets can become busy with trick-or-treaters, and excited children may not be watching for oncoming traffic.
So it’s important for motorists to slow down and anticipate children running from driveways, front yards and between parked cars. Motorists should also turn their headlights on 30 minutes before sunset.
Trick-or-treaters should stick to sidewalks and cross at marked crossings, and costumes should be bright and include reflective items or accessories while out and about.
What motorists can do to stay safe:
- Keep your eyes peeled behind the wheel: Excited trick-or-treaters may not always be looking out for oncoming traffic. Continually scan not only the road ahead, but also driveways, front yards and the spaces between parked cars.
- Slow down and obey road signs: Give yourself extra time to get to your destination and obey all road signs.
- Turn your headlights on: While it’s important that motorists see trick-or-treaters, children also need to be able to see cars. Turn your headlights on 30 minutes before sunset and keep them on when it’s dark.
What pedestrians can do to stay safe:
- Remain on sidewalks: Sidewalks give pedestrians a designated space to trick-or-treat safely. If no sidewalk is present, walk on the far-left side of the road. When crossing the street, only cross at marked crossing always look both ways.
- Stick together: Younger children should have a chaperone, whether an adult or an older sibling, who can make sure everyone stays safe. Older children should trick-or-treat with a group of friends.
- Make yourself visible: Put a flashlight face down in kids’ trick-or-treat bags—with the caveat that they shouldn’t shine it at cars—and add reflective tape to costumes. It’s also a good idea to use makeup instead of masks and encourage kids to choose brightly coloured costumes instead of all-black ones.