Halloween Safety

SASKATOON/ The Saskatchewan Association of Optometrists (SAO) will be repeating its annual program to help ensure the safety of young trick-or-treaters this Halloween.

The program, known as “Get Visible!”, involves the province-wide distribution of free reflective stickers, designed to be affixed to children’s costumes. “Optometrists’ offices all over Saskatchewan will be handing out these stickers,” says SAO President Dr. Lee Kolbenson. “We all felt it was important to do our part to help keep kids safe.”

Dr. Kolbenson points out that Halloween can be a very dangerous time for children. “It’s not surprising that accidents can and do result when excited children run around in the dark, especially when they are wearing dark costumes that may obstruct their vision,” says Dr. Kolbenson. On behalf of the Saskatchewan Association of Optometrists, he offers several pieces of practical Halloween advice for parents and children:

• Add the SAO “Get Visible!” stickers to your child’s costume. Studies show that children who wear retro-reflective material are visible to drivers even at speeds up to 100 km per hour. By comparison, white material is visible only up to speeds of 70 km per hour.
• Remind children to walk on sidewalks…not in the street. Look both ways and cross at corners with streetlights if possible.
• Consider make-up and hats instead of masks.
• Make sure children trick or treat in a group, with adult accompaniment.
• Provide the children with flashlights so they can see and be seen.
• Make sure your porch light is on after dark on October 31st.

The Saskatchewan Association of Optometrists offers some advice for motorists, too. “When you get behind the wheel on Halloween Night, be extra vigilant when travelling neighborhood roads,” Dr. Kolbenson says. “Reduce your speed and make sure your windshield, headlights and mirrors are clean. If you have the least bit of difficulty seeing at night, perhaps you should avoid driving on Halloween.”

The reflective stickers are now available at Saskatchewan optometrist’s offices.

The Saskatchewan Association of Optometrists represents all practicing optometrists throughout the province.