By Greg Fry

Drivers beware: Halloween can be a nightmare on B.C. roads

Oct 24, 2017 | 10:34 AM

KAMLOOPS — Halloween offers all sorts of spooky fun for kids, but it can also be a nightmare on area roads if drivers don’t take the proper precautions.

Compared to an average day, ICBC says crashes spike on average by 25 per cent on Halloween with 40 people injured in 110 crashes on Halloween in the Southern Interior.

With Halloween celebrations starting this weekend, ICBC offers the following tips for drivers:

• Stay well below the speed limit in residential areas, especially between 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Scan as you drive as kids may be walking in unexpected places like driveways, alleys, and parking lots.
• Don’t roll through stop signs or intersections. Come to a full stop at all intersections and look all around you as small children can be difficult to see. Especially if they’re wearing a dark costume.
• Don’t pass a slow or stopped vehicle. Have patience on Halloween night as many drivers may be driving slowly to watch out for trick-or-treaters.
• Watch out for drunk drivers.

Tips to keep kids safe include:

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• Make sure the costumes fits. A costume that’s too big or small could cause a child to trip and fall, causing injury.
• Be bright and be seen. Many costumes make kids in costumes less visible. Add a reflective tape to their outfits helps.
• Create a safe route. The best route should be familiar, well-established, direct and away from busy roads.
• Travel in groups. Walking in a group will make your children more visible to drivers.
• Follow the rules of the road. Always walk on sidewalks and cross only at crosswalks when travelling wiith your child
• Consider other ways to celebrate. Instead of trick-or-treating, consider hosting a Halloween party for your child and their friends, attending a Halloween party or taking your child to a local shopping centre that offers trick-or-treating opportunties in a well-lit environment.

Tips for adults: 

• Plan for a safe ride home. Especially if your night involves alcohol.
• Light fireworks safely. Light them in a clear, open and safe space.