While Halloween may be the night when excited ghosts and goblins hit the streets, youngsters are also busy at play the other 364 nights of the year. With that in mind, Manitoba Public Insurance has distributed 120,000 safety flashers to help kids stay visible all year round.

“Halloween is a very special time for children,” said John Douglas, Vice President of Public Affairs. “But children need to practice road safety 12 months a year. These flashing buttons can easily be clipped to a jacket or backpack, so children can ‘light up the night’ any time they step outside after dark.”

Just in time for Halloween, a total of 741 Manitoba schools (kindergarten to Grade 6) have received the safety flashers which were first distributed three years ago. Due to overwhelming positive response from parents, law enforcement agencies and educators, distribution of the safety flashers has grown over the years.

Increasing visibility is strongly encouraged to avoid a car-pedestrian collision. The consequences of such a collision can be tragic. Over the last four years (2000-03) a total of 11 children (aged one to 14) were killed in traffic collisions, according to Manitoba Public Insurance claims data. All total over the same time frame, 67 pedestrians and another 1,500 pedestrians were injured after being hit by a vehicle.

Safety Tips

…Wear bright or reflective clothing, and use a flashlight and Safety Flasher*
…Stop, look all ways and WALK across streets
…Stay on sidewalks or at the side of the road
…Cross at corners and crosswalks – NOT between parked cars
…Travel in groups and stick together

Contact:
Brian Smiley
Media Relations
Manitoba Public Insurance
(204) 985-7300 or 1-888-554-9549 (toll-free in Manitoba)