Plan ahead for Hallowe’en safety. That advice from CAA Saskatchewan covers everything from costumes to Trick or Treating and drivers being aware there will be more kids on the road. A news release from the provincial CAA urges parents and caregivers to think about costumes that are bright or reflective at night, and suggests older kids who won’t be trick or treating with an adult, to go out as a group, because it’s safer and groups are more visible to drivers.

For anyone driving, if you plan to party, put the keys away and plan a safe ride home. If you are driving and must drop off or pick up children, make sure you pull over into a safe zone and turn vehicle hazard lights on, and slow down when driving through school zones and residential areas. CAA Saskatchewan suggests going 10 km/h below the speed limit, while keeping an eye out for excited children walking or running who may not be thinking about road safety.

For a skele-ton of fun, plan Ahead:

-Choose costumes that are bright or reflective at night.
-Use makeup instead of a mask to allow for better vision. If wearing a mask, make sure it does not obstruct vision and/or hearing.
-Plan a route ahead of time.
-Adults – If you plan to party, put the keys away. Always plan a safe ride home.

Keep calm and pumpkin on … How to Trick-or-Treat Safely:

-Trick or treating in groups is always a smart idea. It’s safer and groups are more visible to drivers.
-When crossing the street, use intersections and crosswalks. Be sure to stop, look, listen, and think before you cross. Make eye contact with drivers to make sure they see you.
-Be alert and aware of your surroundings.
-Don’t let your cell phone be a distraction, but also know how to use the flashlight option if needed.
-Wait until you get home to sort and snack on treats.

Hocus pocus it’s time to focus … Advice for Parents and Motorists:

-Avoid driving during peak trick-or-treating hours on Halloween night. (5:00 to 8:00 p.m.)
-If you are driving and must drop off or pick up children, make sure you pull over into a safe zone and turn vehicle hazard lights on.
-Make sure your vehicle’s headlights and taillights are on. Communicate with other drivers by using your turn signals.
-Stay focused behind the wheel. Eliminate distractions by turning down music and putting your cell phone away.
-When backing out of parking spaces or driveways, always watch for children.
-Slow down when driving through school zones and residential areas. (10 km below the speed limit)
-Watch out for excited children walking or running as they may not be thinking about road safety.