THUNDER BAY – NEWS – The safety of pedestrians is on the minds of many across Thunder Bay this week as thousands of youthful trick or treaters get set to take to the streets.
As families across the province prepare to celebrate a spooktacular night, Ontario is asking drivers and pedestrians to be aware and stay safe this Halloween.
Thousands of children will be out trick or treating and to help keep them safe, parents are encouraged to remind their children to follow the rules of the road:
- Always walk — do not run from house to house
- Use costumes with bright fabrics or reflective tape or carry a flashlight to ensure you can be seen at all times
- Walk on sidewalks and not on the street
- If a sidewalk is unavailable, walk on the left side of the street facing traffic
- Review all appropriate trick-or-treating safety precautions, including pedestrian/traffic safety rules prior to your trick-or-treating adventure.
Drivers beware! Watch out for the goblins, witches and ghouls! Children are excited about Halloween and may forget safety rules. When driving in residential areas, remember to follow these safety precautions:
- Be alert, slow down and watch out for trick-or-treaters
- Avoid any and all distractions
- Yield to crossing pedestrians, especially when turning
- Always keep your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.
QUICK FACTS
- Motor vehicle collisions are the main cause of death for Canadian children.
- If current collision trends continue, fatalities from distracted driving may exceed those from drinking and driving by 2016.
- As of September 1, 2015, penalties for distracted driving include a $490 fine, three demerit points and a minimum 30-day suspension for novice drivers, upon conviction.
