Being alert and making sure the safety features of your vehicle work properly can take the fright out of Halloween driving, Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal Minister Robert Vessey said.

“There are so many young trick-or-treaters out after dark on Halloween night that drivers must take extra precautions, especially in neighbourhoods,” Minister Vessey said. “Being extra aware of children along our roadways, following the speed limit, and doing a quick maintenance check of your vehicle will help make it a safe and happy Halloween for everyone.”

Here are some driving and vehicle maintenance tips to help make sure only the costumes are scary on October 31:

• slow down through neighbourhoods and watch for children crossing streets or emerging from between parked cars,

• follow the speed limit,

• replace burnt-out headlights or turn signal lights,

• check your brakes to assure they allow you to stop quickly if needed,

• inspect your tires for wear and proper air pressure, since stopping on wet roads takes four times longer than on dry roads,

• assure that your horn is working, to warn pedestrians and other motorists of danger, and

• contact your mechanic to schedule a vehicle maintenance check.

For more information on keeping your vehicle road-ready, visit the Automotive Industries Association of Canada’s “Be Car Care Aware” web page at becarcareaware.ca or the province’s Highway Safety Page at gov.pe.ca/highwaysafety.