Posted by Sudbury Northern Life
Because Halloween landed on a Friday this year, it causes an expected rise in the number of party-goers and trick-or-treaters taking to the streets on Halloween night. CAA North & East Ontario (CAANEO) urges revelers, both young and old, to make advance plans to stay safe.
"When Halloween falls during the middle of the work week, parties and events are spread out over several days to include the weekend," said Korey Kennedy, manager of public and government affairs for CAA North & East Ontario. "With Halloween on a Friday this year, most festivities are expected to take place that evening, putting a large number of adult party-goers on the road the same night as trick-or-treaters."
"Unfortunately we also see a rise in the number of
motor vehicle collisions on Halloween when it is on a weekend,
so it's critical for both motorists and pedestrians to take
extra caution and make sure this
is a safe and happy Halloween for everyone," said
Kennedy.
In Ontario alone, the number of motor vehicle collisions on Halloween rises an average of 30 per cent when Oct. 31 falls on a Friday or Saturday versus any other day of the week. According to data from the Ontario Ministry of Transportation, over the past 10 years, an average of 318 motor vehicle collisions occur when Halloween falls on a weekend, in comparison to an average 223 collisions when it is any other day of the week.
CAA North & East Ontario suggests party-goers and trick-or-treaters reduce their risk of being involved in a motor vehicle crash by doing some advance planning.
