More than 120,000 ghosts and goblins will be flashing more than smiles and colourful costumes when they take to the streets Halloween evening.

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. Due to an overwhelmingly positive response, the public insurer is distributing a safety flasher/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. Road-related incidents continue to be the leading cause of death and injury among children 1 to 14 in Manitoba. In the last three years, eight children have been killed and 164 children have been injured. More than 10 per cent of these occur in October.

“This is one way that we can help ensure that kids are seen when they are out for an evening’s fun,” said Clif Eden, Manager of Road Safety with Manitoba Public Insurance.

“In their excitement over Halloween and trick-or-treating, children forget about road safety. These whistle-lights will make it very obvious to motorists that children are out and about.”

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