DRIVE SAFELY THIS HAUNTED HALLOWEEN

VICTORIA — Goblins, ghosts, pirates and princesses will be out in force this Halloween and all B.C. motorists should practise extra caution to keep them safe.

"When kids are out trick-or-treating they're often not as careful as they should be, so drivers should slow down and keep an eye out for pedestrians," said John Les, Minister of Public Safety and Minister responsible for ICBC. "At this time of year, reduced visibility and wet, slippery road conditions often add to the problem."

According to the five-year average, on Halloween night, between 5 p.m. and midnight, there are about 250 crash incidents and 90 injuries on B.C. roads.

Safety tips for drivers:

• Slow down, especially in residential neighbourhoods and school and playground areas.
• Watch for children who may dart out into traffic from between parked cars. People may also be walking on roadways, medians and curbs.
• Do not wear a Halloween mask while driving.
• Be patient when kids are crossing the street. Costumes could impair their ability to get out of the way quickly.
• Enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully.

Safety tips for trick-or-treaters:

• Walk on sidewalks. If there is no sidewalk, walk on the left side of the road facing traffic, and walk don't run, from house to house.
• Complete your trick-or-treating calls at houses on one side of the street before crossing to the other side, and cross only at corners and intersections, not in the middle of the block or between parked cars.
• Wear light-coloured costumes with reflective strips. Be sure costumes are short enough to prevent tripping.

To further enhance the safety of trick-or-treaters, Autoplan brokers are giving away shiny, silver trick-or-treat bags that include valuable road safety tips as well as room for goodies. Bags are available at local Autoplan broker offices.

Cindy Rose
Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General
250 356-6961

Kate Best
ICBC
604 982-2480

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