More than 120,000 ghosts and goblins will be flashing more than smiles and colourful costumes when they take to the streets tonight. With road safety in mind, Manitoba Public Insurance is once again helping trick-or-treaters stay visible by distributing light-up devices to schools across the province.

This year the public insurer is distributing a new type of safety device that doubles as a flasher and a whistle. It can be hung around a child’s neck or easily attached to a jacket or backpack, so children can “light up the night” any time they step outside after dark.

A total of 740 Manitoba schools are providing the whistle-lights to students in kindergarten to Grade 6.

“Children look forward to Halloween and trick-or-treating. Unfortunately, some children forget about road safety in their excitement,” said Lou Gervino, Manager of Driver Education and Improvement with Manitoba Public Insurance. “These whistle-lights will help children practice road safety 12 months a year.”

Manitoba Public Insurance has distributed safety flashers to children for the last three years. The response from parents, law enforcement agencies and educators has been overwhelmingly positive.

Visibility is an important factor in preventing car-pedestrian collisions and their tragic consequences. Over the last five years (2000-04) a total of 13 children (aged one to 14) were killed in traffic collisions, according to Manitoba Public Insurance claims data. In total over the same period, 317 pedestrians (aged one to 14) were injured after being hit by a vehicle.

Halloween 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.
  

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