ICBC’s spooktacular Halloween safety tips for parents and drivers

October 27, 2011

With Halloween parties and trick-or-treaters coming up, ICBC is calling on parents and drivers to plan ahead and make smart decisions for a safe weekend of festivities.

On average, on Halloween night between 3 pm and midnight, there are 400 crashes resulting in 120 injured victims on B.C. roads.*

Here are ICBC’s spooktacular safety tips for parents and drivers to ensure a safe and fun weekend for all:

For parents:

• Dress to be seen: Let’s not spoil our kids’ fun. Halloween is about putting on the spookiest outfit possible and that often involves dark colours. A good solution is to buy some reflective tape that you can add to the outfit or even to their shoes or bag – as long as it makes them stand out against the dark road.
• The best ghouls see everything: Scary masks are a key part of many Halloween costumes but it’s important that your child wears a mask that doesn’t hinder their ability to fully see what’s going on around them. Put the mask over your own face to check the visibility and make any necessary adjustments.
• The best ghouls hear everything too: As adults, we know that hearing is just as important as seeing to ensure our safety around roads. Remind your children not to use their cellphone or listen to their MP3 player – they should keep their fun focused on Halloween and all the candy.
• Safety in numbers: If you‘ll be walking outside on this spookiest of nights, walk in numbers to help drivers and others see you and your children. Be sure to have an appropriate number of adults to accompany the children.
• Gone haunting: If your kids are heading out for some trick-or-treating fun without you, help them plan their route ahead of time so they get home safely. Consider a route that takes them through a quiet residential area away from busy main roads and parking lots. And remind them to cross streets at designated points.

For drivers:

• A fright’s just around the corner: Drivers need to slow down and expect the unexpected. Children can easily be caught up in the excitement of Halloween and forget to use caution, so slow down and be especially alert in residential areas. Limit any distractions in your car so your focus is solely on the road ahead.
• Who ya gonna call?: While we’re talking distractions, stop making excuses for using your cellphone behind the wheel. Not only is it against the law but it can be extremely dangerous on a night when so many vulnerable road users will be out and about.
• The ghouls may not notice you: Children may have very limited visibility while wearing masks and costumes – don’t assume they see you approaching. And remember to always yield to pedestrians. By doing so, you help ensure they cross the road safely.
• Beware of those dark alleys: Surprises often lurk in the darkest of places so enter and exit driveways and alleys slowly and carefully. Watch for little trick-or-treaters when backing up.
• Don’t end on a true scare: If you’re hosting or attending a Halloween party, always make sure there are safe options to get home, such as designated drivers or taxi numbers at hand.

For more road safety tips, visit icbc.com/road-safety.

Regional statistics

On average, on Halloween night between 3 pm and midnight, there are approximately*:

• 260 crashes and 90 injuries in the Lower Mainland.
• 60 crashes and 20 injuries on Vancouver Island.
• 30 crashes and 10 injuries in the North Central region.
• 50 crashes and 10 injuries in the Southern Interior.

*Statistics are police reported incidents over the last five years (2006 to 2010).

Media contact:
Adam Grossman
604-982-1332