Think safety first this Halloween

CAA North & East Ontario
News Release

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Halloween is just around the corner, and this year’s calendar has it landing on a Saturday-causing an expected rise in the number of partygoers and trick-or-treaters taking to the streets on Halloween night. CAA North & East Ontario (CAANEO) urges revelers, both young and old, to make advance plans to stay safe.

“When Halloween falls during the middle of the work week, parties and events are spread out over several days to include the weekend,” said Korey Kennedy, Manager of Public & Government Affairs for CAA North & East Ontario. “With Halloween on a Saturday this year, most festivities are expected to take place that evening, putting a large number of adult partygoers on the road the same night as trick-or-treaters.”

CAA North & East Ontario suggests partygoers and trick-or-treaters reduce their risk of being involved in a motor vehicle crash by doing some advance planning.

Partygoers & Hosts

- Make plans to get home safely. If you’re planning on drinking, make plans to get home safely by selecting a designated driver or ensuring cab service is available from the party location.

- Consider an overnight stay. If the party is at a friend’s home, consider asking to stay overnight. If participating in festivities in a downtown or commercial area, look into hotel accommodations within walking distance. Many hotels offer special Halloween weekend rates and promotions.

- Plan your travel route carefully. Try to avoid cutting through residential areas that will likely have a large number of trick-or-treaters. If providing directions to a party, make sure to not route guests through residential areas unnecessarily.

- Take care of designated drivers and offer alternatives to alcohol. Plan to have non-alcoholic drink options available for designated drivers and others. Serve plenty of food so partygoers do not drink on empty stomachs.

Trick-or-Treaters & Parents

- Select highly visible costumes. Look for light, bright and reflective costumes that make trick-or-treaters easy to see. Add reflective tape to costumes and treat buckets and bags to increase visibility.

- Ensure costumes fit well. Have trick-or-treaters try on, walk and play in costumes and shoes in advance to check fit. Make sure nothing comes loose or might cause the child to trip. Check that wigs or other accessories do not obstruct the child’s view.

- Review safety precautions with children. Include traffic safety rules in the review such as stay on the sidewalk, cross the street at crosswalks; avoid walking in front of, behind, or between parked cars and stop at driveways to make sure no vehicles are coming in and out.

- Plan trick-or-treating route and supervision in advance. Avoid areas with heavy vehicle traffic and look for well-lit streets with sidewalks. Make arrangements for an adult or a responsible teen to accompany younger trick-or-treaters.

- Get a flashlight with fresh batteries. A flashlight can help trick-or-treaters see and be seen, but it should never be directed at someone’s eyes including those of passing motorists.

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