Tips to stay safe on roads, sidewalks through Halloween festivities: WRPS
Posted Oct 31, 2025 10:19:22 AM.
Last Updated Oct 31, 2025 11:24:33 AM.
Halloween is one of the more fun-filled holidays, Waterloo Regional Police Service (WRPS) is sending out a few tips to make sure those festivities remain safe across roadways and sidewalks.
It’s not just a regular Halloween this year, falling on a Friday night, as well as the Blue Jays hosting Game 6 of the World Series at Rogers Centre. It all means plenty of people will be out on the streets through the holiday.
“One of the things to remember is you see a lot of people celebrating, with this year it falling on a Friday, I would imagine that our uptown cores are going to be busy,” Iden stated. “People taking advantage of not having to go to either work tomorrow or go to school. Expect to see an increase in police presence in the uptown cores and anywhere in the bar districts.”
Iden said that one of the key issues and safety concerns is when people are trying to get to where they need to be too quickly on Halloween, not planning ahead, and endangering lives in the process.
“Make sure that you give yourself plenty of time when you’re getting from point A to point B. There is no rush to get back. Halloween is all night,” Iden said. “Just make sure that when you’re getting home, you’re being responsible, you’re being safe.”
For drivers, Iden said wearing a seatbelt and driving the speed limit are essential, but he also noted Halloween will offer up more distractions.
“I know some costumes can become distracting and can become entertaining, but you still have to remember that your eyes should be on the road and not on the trick-or-treaters. Keep that in mind. Just take your time, focus on the driving.”
For families and trick-or-treaters, Iden said to not contribute to the list of potential safety concerns that come with the holiday.
“This comes down to just the old classic rule: Nothing has changed on Halloween,” Iden said. “If you’re going to be crossing the street, cross at the points where the road is designed. At crosswalks, crossing at the lights, anywhere where it’s designed to support people while crossing the street.”
Of course, it’s expected to be a chilly and frigid Halloween, so make sure to dress accordingly when heading out.
At the end of the day, Iden said Halloween is one of the biggest holidays of the year for a good reason, with plenty of fun possibilities to enjoy the fall staple. Plus, with it being a Friday night and with a pivotal Blue Jays game on the books, it’s shaping up to be a Halloween for the ages.
“Today is going to be just full of laughs, cheers, and celebrations. What I would say is just enjoy the day, but make sure that you’re being respectful,” Iden mentioned. “Make sure that you’re having a safe day, and just have a lot of fun tonight. It’s going to be a great day.”
