Halloween is just around the corner and there will be a number of kids across Ontario going door-to-door trick-or-treating.
To avoid personal injuries McLeish Orlando is sharing a list of tips n’ tricks collected by the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) for drivers, parents and kids to make sure safety and accident prevention is top of mind this All Hallows’ Eve.
Drivers:
• When pulling in or out of driveways stay alert to your surroundings.
• Avoid driving during the hours of 6-9 pm when most trick-or-treating takes place.
• Stay well below the speed limit and give yourself extra time to get to your destination.
• Do not use a cell phone while driving. Driving must be your main focus as a little trick-or-treater could pop out any time.
• Pay extra attention to what is going on around you. Be conscious of sidewalks and roadways and watch for any children darting across the street or in between parked cars.
Parents:
• Replace your child’s mask with makeup to make sure that they have a clear, unobstructed view of their surroundings.
• Avoid costumes that have dark colors and that will go unnoticed by drivers. Instead choose bright colors, or add reflective tape.
• Accompany your child, or if they are old enough make sure they are with a group of responsible friends.
• Instruct children to stay on sidewalks where they are available, but if they must cross, to look both ways before walking across the street. They should check for cars, trucks and motorcycles
• If your community has no sidewalks, walking beside the road at night can be very dangerous – adult accompaniment and flashlights are a must, regardless of the child’s age.
• Halloween isn’t just for the young. If attending a party with the intention to drink plan ahead, make arrangements to get a ride with a designated driver or a taxi.
Kids:
• Use a flashlight so you will see and be seen more easily.
• Costumes should be short enough to avoid trips and falls.
• Remember not to eat any of your candy until an adult at home has checked them over. Don’t eat candy that has already been opened.
• Stay out of dark areas. Keep to well-lit areas and only visit homes that have their outside porch lights on. Trick-or-treaters should not go inside homes.
Sources (IBC, CAA and Safe Kids Canada)
