All Hallows Eve, or Halloween, as it has come to be known, is here once again. It is both the spookiest and the sweetest night of the year; it is also a night to exercise extra caution so that everyone has a safe night of tricks and treats.

Drivers should use extra caution as the streets and neighbourhoods will likely be busier on Halloween. Manager of Media Relations for SGI, Tyler McMurchy shared some tips and reminders for motorists.

“For drivers-we want to remind them that pedestrians do have the right of way at marked and unmarked crosswalks so its important to stop before entering the intersection so those trick or treaters can cross the street safely.” McMurchy added, “Young children are smaller, they're harder to see and may not always pay attention to traffic rules so it’s even more important where trick or treating is taking place to drive cautiously in those areas.”

Be sure that your headlights and taillights are on to ensure you are seen by trick-or-treaters, McMurchy advises. Excited treat seekers may be unpredictable, and speeds should be reduced, especially if conditions are icy.

Constable Anderson, with the Rosetown RCMP Detachment, wants to make sure all the little goblins and ghouls stay safe on Halloween.

“What we suggest is maybe, because it’s dark out, wear something that has reflective tape, or bright colours and carry a flashlight so that drivers can see when people are crossing the street. We also recommend never going trick-or-treating alone, go with a friend, or sibling, or a neighbour or a parent; go in groups, that is always the safest."

While the temperatures in the west central region are expected to be fairly mild this Halloween, Constable Anderson recommends dressing for the weather. This time of the year, the sun expires early and it gets cool fast.

Respect people’s properties by using drive ways and walking on not lawns when possible. As you gather your loot, stick to one side of the street to avoid zig-zagging across the street, and keep your candy collecting efforts to well lit houses.

Constable Anderson also advises that treats are sorted through with an adult before diving in.


From all of us at West Central Online, have a happy, safe and candy-filled Halloween.