Children aged 5 to 14 years are the most exposed to traffic fatalities, especially since on Halloween there will be a heavy traffic volume and a lot of parked cars. However, if accompanied by an adult, the risk can be reduced.
“Pedestrian traffic is always busy on Halloween night,” stated Allan Lamb, executive director of the BCAA Traffic Safety Foundation. “Unlike New Year’s Eve, for example, the majority are small children, and with all of the excitement, they tend to forget to watch for moving vehicles.”
Rules for drivers:
- Slow down as you drive through residential areas – 10 km/h slower (6.2 mph) can make a big difference in an emergency stop.
- Watch for children darting out from behind parked cars
- Come to a full stop at designated intersections and proceed slowly when driving through.
- Do not drive if you have been drinking – find alternate transportation such as riding with a designated driver, taking a taxi or transit.
Rules for parents and children:
- Children wear light or reflective costumes that are easy to move in and don’t cause tripping, and use face paint instead of wearing a mask.
- Children carry a flashlight
- Never run out between two parked cars. Always cross at a designated intersection, looking both ways and make sure drivers see you before you cross
- If there is no sidewalk, always walk facing traffic and as far off the road as possible
- Parents make sure the “loot route” is planned along well-lit streets
- Parents accompany children and make sure the group travels together.
- Parents review the “rules of the road” before starting out.
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