Keeping Kids Safe Around the Block 🎃

Eyes up, speed down, and everyone makes it around the town!

On Halloween, lots of kids are on foot, in dark costumes, after sunset. Drivers can help by slowing down in neighbourhoods, turning on headlights early, scanning for kids at driveways and crosswalks and putting the phone away. In Alberta, distracted driving carries a $390 fine and 3 demerit points (Government of Alberta) and AIRB lists it as a major conviction. Parents and kids can help too: wear bright or reflective gear, cross at crosswalks and make eye contact with drivers before stepping out.

Headlights bright and speed down low,
Phone put away, watch where the little ghouls go!

Why Is Halloween Night Risky for Kids on Foot?

Halloween has a perfect storm of things making it harder to see people on foot. Let’s call it a boo-tiful challenge for drivers:

• 🌙 Early darkness. Dim light, dim sight! Trick-or-treating starts around dusk and goes on after dark.
• 🦇 Dark costumes blend into the night.
• 🎭 Masks can block a child’s view.
• 🍬 Excited kids who may dart across the street.
• 🚗 More cars in residential areas, with parents, party-goers and pickups.

According to a U.S. study (reported by the Traffic Injury Research Foundation, TIRF), children are about three times more likely to be fatally injured by a car on Halloween. A U.S. road safety company, Cambridge Mobile Telematics, also reports driver distraction rises when trick-or-treating begins. These are U.S. figures, not Alberta/Canadian data and they’re shared only as examples of why extra care matters since the study directly points to Halloween as a risky night for child pedestrians.

What Can Drivers Do to Keep Kids Safe?

Let’s go through the trick-or-treat driving checklist.

• Slow down. Go slow, so the little ghosts can go! Drive below the posted limit in neighbourhoods where kids are likely to be out. In Alberta, you can be charged with a traffic offence if you don’t adjust to conditions.
• Use your headlights. Light the way, so they can play. Turn your headlights on early and don’t rely on daytime running lights.
• Scan ahead. Look left, look right, spot every sprit in sight! Look at the sidewalks, driveways, crosswalks and between parked cars. Kids can pop out anywhere.
• Check carefully when backing out. Check mirrors and blind spots before pulling in or out of a driveway.
• Stop for pedestrians. Be ready to stop at every crosswalk. Remember, failing to yield to a pedestrian is a minor conviction under AIRB’s list.
• Be patient. A few extra minutes is a small price for a safe neighbourhood. Be a good sport, don’t be a hurry-cane! 🐢

Why Does Distracted Driving Matter Most on Halloween?

Because kids don’t always act predictably, drivers need every second of reaction time. Looking at a phone for just a moment can mean missing a child at the curb.

In Alberta:

• Distracted driving carries a $390 fine and 3 demerit points.
• It applies even at a red light. Hand-held phone use, texting, emailing, using a GPS, reading and grooming are all covered. Hands-free or voice-activated use is allowed.
• AIRB lists distracted driving as a major conviction, including using a cellphone or electronic device. Major and minor convictions can count toward your premium for 3 years.

Tip: Set your music and directions before you start the car. Put your phone out of reach. Save the ghost stories for after the candy count. 👻

A text on the road is a trick, not a treat,
Eyes on the street, keeping the little feet safe and your record clean!

What Can Parents and Kids Do to Be Seen?

It is recommended pedestrians wear bright or light-coloured clothing or reflective strips in low light, make eye contact with drivers before they cross and stay alert near driveways. Some other helpful tips for Halloween night:

• 🔦 Add light. Glow so they know! Reflective strips, glow sticks, flashlights or bright costumes help drivers spot kids sooner.
• 🚸 Use sidewalks and well-lit routes. Cross at crosswalks and intersections and don’t dart between parked cars.
• 👫 Go in a group. There’s safety in numbers, so bring your boo-ddies! Groups are easier for drivers to see.
• 🎭 Test the mask. If a mask blocks side vision, use face paint instead.
• 📱 Make a plan. Pick a meeting spot and a way to reach an adult.

What About Buckling Up for the Halloween Drive?

If you’re driving kids between houses, make sure everyone is buckled in correctly. In Alberta, drivers must make sure children are properly restrained and the fine for not following the rules is $211. Bulky costumes can interfere with a good fit, so consider changing the costume before you buckle up, according to TIRF.

How Does a Halloween Collision Affect My Insurance?

A collision on a spooky night can leave a lasting mark. According to AIRB:

• Claims cost more. AIRB’s Market & Trends 2026 report shows the average cost of a collision claim in Alberta has risen about 46.9% since 2021.
• At-fault claims count for 6 years. Under AIRB’s rating principles, an at-fault claim can affect your premium up to 6 years.
• Tickets count for 3 years. Minor or major convictions can affect your premium up to 3 years.

Learn more at airbfordrivers.ca.

Summary

The only scary thing on Halloween should be the decorations. Slow down, light up, look twice and put the phone away.

Eyes up, phone down, slow your ride, Watch the curb, kids are outside! Lights on bright, glow in the night, Get everyone home, safe and sound, all right! Drive like every driveway has a tiny ghost, ghoul or superhero about to run out of it. Happy Halloween, Alberta! 🎃👻

Frequently Asked Questions

How can drivers keep trick-or-treaters safe in Alberta? Slow down in neighbourhoods, turn on your headlights early, scan sidewalks, driveways and crosswalks, check blind spots when backing out and put your phone away.

What is the fine for distracted driving in Alberta? $390 and 3 demerit points, according to the Government of Alberta.

Is distracted driving a major conviction in Alberta? Yes. Distracted driving, including using a cellphone or electronic device are listed as a major conviction.

How can kids stay visible on Halloween? Wear bright or reflective clothing, carry a flashlight or glow stick and make eye contact with drivers before crossing. The Government of Alberta recommends bright or light-coloured clothing or reflective strips in low light.

Are children required to be in car seats on Halloween? Yes. Under Alberta’s rules, children under 6 who weigh 18 kg (40 lbs) or less must be in a properly installed child restraint. The fine for a seatbelt or child restraint violation in Alberta is $211.

How long do convictions and at-fault claims affect my car insurance? Under AIRB’s rating principles, minor and major convictions count for 3 years. At-fault claims count for 6 years.