With little ghosts and goblins out in search of tricks and lots of delicious treats this Halloween, MPI is encouraging road users of all ages to do their part to keep pedestrians safe.

With 18 pedestrians killed in collisions in Manitoba so far this year, it has never been more important to be alert and take additional caution on this busy day and night on roadways throughout the province.

“While all road users in Manitoba play a role in ensuring pedestrians are able to move safely on and around our streets, it’s important to recognize that those outside of a vehicle are at a clear safety disadvantage,” said Satvir Jatana, Vice President & Chief Customer Officer, MPI. “Drivers have a great responsibility to always be vigilant and practice safe driving habits to make all of our walkways and roads safe for pedestrians, especially on nights like Halloween.”

Road safety messaging key for school-age children

Understanding how crucial it is to begin road safety education at a young age, MPI has offered its Halloween Pedestrian Safety Promotion Program, aimed at reaching children from kindergarten to Grade 6, since 2000.

Taking a new approach this year, the Corporation is sharing an interactive and informative animated video designed to engage children through relatable characters and stories. This new and exciting cartoon provides vital and informative road safety information through a kid-focused lens.

The video, available in both English and French, has been distributed to schools across Manitoba and is also available online through MPI’s YouTube channel.

Additionally, MPI has sent over 118,000 wearable flashing safety lights to schools province wide to help trick-or-treaters to be seen. The eye-catching, flashing, round, 47mm LED lights can be put on any costume and will ensure all those who use them will be seen by motorists and pedestrians alike.

“We know trick or treating is an exciting time for children and we want to ensure their evening is a safe and happy one. These flashing lights will help get kids noticed by motorists at every intersection and at every street corner as children seek their Halloween treats throughout our province,” said Jatana.

Safety tips for tricks, treats and safe streets

For motorists:

  • Don’t speed – slow down, especially when you see children walking.
  • Don’t assume children see your vehicle, they could run out in front of you.
  • Watch for children who may dart between parked vehicles. Be prepared to stop at a moment’s notice.
  • Stop and yield the right-of-way to all pedestrians about to cross at marked and unmarked crosswalks.
  • Do not pass traffic ahead of you that is slowing down or stopped for pedestrians using crosswalks. Not only is it unsafe, it’s illegal.

For trick-or-treaters:

  • Look both ways for traffic before crossing the street. Use corners and crosswalks as they are the safest places to cross.
  • Always walk – never run – across the street and never cross between parked cars.
  • Wait for cars to come to a full stop before crossing.
  • Be seen by wearing reflective clothing or costumes.
  • In neighbourhoods where there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic the left-hand edge of the roadway.