Manitoba kids will be a little safer as they “trick-or-treat” this Halloween, thanks to safety flashers that Manitoba Public Insurance has again distributed to nearly 123,000 schoolchildren across the province.

Halloween is exciting and fun for everyone, and the battery-operated, clip-on safety flashers ensure young witches and wizards can “Be Bright and Be Seen.”

Children are at particular risk on dark streets because they tend to be less aware of approaching vehicles than adults. They may also assume drivers will see them and stop or slow down. Mix in the excitement of treats waiting at every door, and you have a recipe for trouble.

That’s why the public insurer is providing safety flashers to every Manitoba student from Kindergarten to Grade 6. The visibility of the flashing buttons was shown today at Chapman School in Charleswood, where 125 children heard a special presentation on Halloween safety and received their flashers.

“These safety flashers can serve their purpose Halloween night and long after the last piece of candy is gone,” said John Douglas, Vice President of Corporate Public Affairs. “They can easily be clipped to a jacket or backpack, so children, or adults, can ‘Be Bright and Be Seen’ any time they step outside after dark.”

“I think these flashers are a great idea,” said Chapman Principal Brenda Lanoway. “They’re simple to use, and very effective, too. I’m sure that parents will really appreciate having these buttons to use all year round.”

Manitoba Public Insurance also provided information for parents that outlined tips to keep youngsters safe while trick-or-treating.

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