Motorists are reminded to slow down and pay extra close attention Tuesday evening, as kids young and old will be dressed up and on the streets trick-or-treating. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

safety first

‘Please slow down:’ drivers reminded to watch for eager trick-or-treaters

Oct 31, 2023 | 5:35 AM

NANAIMO — Local police are pleading for motorists to slow down and excited trick-or-treaters to be well aware of their surroundings.

Nanaimo RCMP Res. Cst. Gary O’Brien said with rain not anticipated, thousands of children will be flooding residential streets all over Nanaimo the evening of Tuesday, Oct. 31.

Drivers and pedestrians need to work together to help ensure the evening is as safe as possible, Cst. O’Brien said.

“Motorists, please slow down, and be prepared to stop at a moment’s notice. Kids aren’t paying attention, sometimes they wander away from parents and they’re cutting across the streets. Keep your speeds down and avoid any potential issues.”

While the weather forecast isn’t calling for any rain at this point, temperatures are expected to dip down to around 5 degrees celsius by 8 p.m. Halloween night.

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While ensuring their kids’ costumes are warm enough, O’Brien also expanded on dressing safely.

“They (parents) have to ensure that the children can see their feet, if not it’s a tripping hazard and it’s going to ruin their evening. Please make their costumes visible to others and to vehicles. And the most important one is the candy. Don’t let them dive in until you’ve done a once over and ensure that it’s safe to go.”

Pedestrian visibility is a big concern for local RCMP during Halloween, with thousands of trick-or-treaters expected to hit the streets Tuesday evening. (file photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

O’Brien also advised children to have the ability to properly see through Halloween masks they may be wearing.

As for fireworks, O’Brien also reminds anyone planning to ignite them to do it legally and safely.

“The only way to let off fireworks in any environment is through prior approval of the fire chief, and you have to have a plan in place. If you’re caught with fireworks they could be seized and you could be subject to a fine.”

He said they received a number of firework-related calls this past weekend, but luckily no fires were reported as a result.

Firecrackers are also prohibited incendiary devices, and if you’re caught with them you could be facing criminal charges, O’Brien noted.

Any questions about Halloween or firework safety can be directed to the Nanaimo RCMP non-emergency line at 250-754-2345, the Nanaimo Bylaw Service at 250-755-4422, or the Nanaimo Fire Rescue at 250-753-7311.

There are a number of local spooky-themed attractions for those on the mid-Island to take part in, including haunted houses, ghost walks, ghost trains, and all kinds of ‘spooktacular’ events.

A full list of Halloween activities can be found here.

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