Happy Halloween from the Trail and Greater District RCMP
By BC RCMP
Trail and Greater District RCMP wishes everyone a Happy Halloween which is occurring this Friday, October 31, 2025. This Halloween night will be likely be celebrated by people of all ages as it falls on Friday night. It is extra important to review the below tips so we can keep safe everyone safe on this upcoming holiday:
Tips for drivers
- Reduce your speed. Managing your speed on Halloween is essential. Small changes in how you drive can have a big impact, and driving at a lower speed will give you more time to stop in case a child runs across the street unexpectedly. Keep in mind, a vehicle travelling even 30 km/hr needs about 18 metres – the length of four cars – to stop.
- Keep your eyes on the road and avoid distractions. Even quick glances away from the road increases your risk of crashing. Distracted and inattentive driving is one of the leading causes of crashes with pedestrians and other road users. Always leave your phone alone while driving. With so many families out on Halloween night, it’s important to stay focused on the road and always be aware of your surroundings.
- Remember to yield at crosswalks. Drivers failing to yield in crosswalks is a key contributing factor in collisions involving pedestrians, so make sure to look out for pedestrians near crosswalks and intersections.
- Have patience. Many drivers will be moving slowly while on the lookout for trick-or-treaters. If a vehicle is slowing down or is stopped in front of you, don’t try to pass. The driver might be stopping to let children cross the road or for something else you can’t see.
- Expect the unexpected. Children tend to have their minds more on treats than road safety on Halloween. Anticipate seeing children suddenly dart across the road or walking in unexpected places like driveways, alleys and parking lots.
Tips to keep kids safe
- Be reflective and easy to see. Many costumes can be dark and difficult to see at night. Encourage your child to wear a lighter-coloured costume. Add reflective tape to their outfit and treat bag and have them to use a flashlight or headlamp to help them stand out in the dark.
- Plan a safe route. The best trick-or-treat route is familiar, well established, direct and away from busy main roads. Organize a group to trick-or-treat together. Walking in a group will make you and your children more visible to drivers.
- Follow the rules of the road. When trick-or-treating with your child, always walk on sidewalks and cross at crosswalks. If there is no sidewalk, walk as far to the edge of the road as possible, facing traffic. For teens that are trick-or-treating with friends, review the rules of the road and remind them to work their way up one side of the street, instead of crossing back and forth.
Tips for adult celebrations
- Plan a safe ride home. If your Halloween festivities are going to involve alcohol, make sure you plan ahead for a safe ride home before you head out for the night. Arrange for a designated driver or use other options like a taxi, ridesharing or transit to get home safely.
- Light fireworks safely. In areas that allow the purchase and use of fireworks, light your fireworks in a clear, open and safe space. Lighting fireworks on or near the road is not safe for you, pedestrians or drivers on Halloween night. Fireworks may be banned in your community so please check local bylaws prior to purchasing them.
For additional information, please visit the BC RCMP website: Halloween safety tips | Royal Canadian Mounted Police
