Nanaimo - Stay Alert. Stay Visible. Stay Safe.

Drivers, Bikers, Walkers please remember -Head up. Phone Down. Be Seen!

Shorter days, changes in weather and the excitement over candy can create frightening results. Halloween provides the perfect opportunity to talk to your little ghosts and goblins about road safety. We encourage everyone to be safe and have fun trick-or-treating by reviewing these Halloween specific tips and resources.

TIPS FOR PARENTS

• Help them be seen: Include something bright and reflective on your child’s costume. Carry a flashlight , wear a head lamp or outfit your costume with glow sticks.
• Make sure your goblin can see: Consider using face paint instead of masks so that nothing impedes with their ability to see clearly. Choose costumes that are easy to move in and don’t cause tripping.
• Safety in a gaggle of ghosts: Walk in groups to help drivers and others see you and your children.
• Plan Ahead: Plan a safe route and accompany your children when trick-or-treating.
• Go over the ‘rules’ with your ghouls: Don’t run out onto the street, cross at a crosswalk, look both ways making eye contact with drivers and take the safe approach - work your way up one side of the street before crossing to the other.

TIPS FOR DRIVERS

• Something frightening this way comes: Drivers, watch your speed and slow down in residential areas. Travel 5 to 10 kilometres slower in neighbourhoods.
• Who ya gonna call?: Nobody. Avoid distractions at all times while driving such as using your cell phone. It's against the law and extremely dangerous.
• Even super heroes may not notice you: Turn on your headlights before dusk and always yield to pedestrians.
• Beware of what lurks ahead or behind: Watch for kids darting out from behind parked cars or little trick-or-treaters when you enter or exit driveways or back up.
• School zones are ghoul zones: A school is a popular central gathering place for kids and families; be aware of extra pedestrians, even outside of school hours.

Additional tips and resources can be found on the BCAA.com & ICBC.com

Sights and Sounds of Pedestrian Safety Video https://youtu.be/w1B2Jmd3QTo