Remember to drive safe on Halloween, says ICBC. The insurance company wants to encourage BC residents to take extra precaution while out and about during this year’s spooky event. “Halloween is meant to be a fun celebration, but it can also be risky if parents, children and drivers don’t take precautions. Last Halloween, there were 950 crashes, resulting in 280 injuries in B.C.,” said ICBC’s Oct. 29 press release.
“With Halloween celebrations starting this weekend,” the company continued, “here are ICBC’s tips to help keep ghosts and goblins of all ages safe.”
* Stay well below the speed limit.
* Scan as you drive.
* Don’t roll through stop signs or intersections. * Do not pass a slow or stopped vehicle.
The company also included tips to ensure children are safe too.
* Make sure the costume fits. The costume may be a tripping hazard, ICBC noted.
* Be bright to be seen.
* Create a safe route.
* Travel in groups.
* Follow the rules of the road.
* Consider other ways to celebrate: “Instead of traditional trick-or-treating, consider hosting a Halloween party for your child,” said ICBC.
ICBC also wants adults to be safe during Halloween night. They stated:
* Plan for a safe ride home: If your Halloween celebrations involve alcohol, make a plan before you head out. Arrange for a designated driver or use other options to get home safely—call a taxi, take transit or call a sober friend.
* Light fireworks safely: In areas that allow the purchase of fireworks, light your fireworks in a clear, open and safe space. Lighting fireworks on the road is not safe for you or drivers.
In 2017, ICBC reported that 140 crashes occurred and 27 Vancouver Island residents were injured on Halloween.
- press release from ICBC