On Friday, Oct. 31, trick-or-treaters of all ages will be heading out for Halloween fun. To make sure the evening stays safe for everyone on the roads, Scotts Valley Police Department is reminding those who are going out for parties or celebrations to have a designated sober driver or plan a sober ride home.
In 2023, one person was killed every 42 minutes in a drunk-driving crash on the nation’s roads.
“As families and children celebrate Halloween, it’s important for drivers to do their part in keeping our streets safe,” said Scotts Valley Police Sgt. Jesse Pidcock. “If you plan on celebrating, make sure you have a plan to use a designated driver, public transit or call a taxi or rideshare for a sober ride home. Driving impaired, even for a short distance, puts everyone at risk.”
Because of the parties, trick-or-treating and other festivities, Halloween night can be especially dangerous on roads. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), adults between the ages of 21 and 34 had the highest percentage (54%) of fatalities in drunk-driving crashes on Halloween night between 2019 and 2023.
Scotts Valley Police Department offered the following tips to be as safe as possible and share the road safely:
Drivers
- Slow down and watch out for more foot traffic in residential neighborhoods.
- Take extra time looking for trick-or-treaters at intersections and entering/exiting driveways.
- Never drive distracted or impaired.
- If you intend to drink, use a designated sober driver, public transit, call a taxi or rideshare
service, or stay the night.
Parents/Caregivers and Trick-or-Treaters
- Make sure costumes fit to prevent trips and falls.
- Decorate costumes and bags/buckets with reflective tape.
- Be visible. Use flashlights or glow sticks to make it easier for drivers to see you.
- Walk on sidewalks, when available. Avoid darting into the street or crossing between parked
cars. - Stick to familiar, well-lit routes.
- Look both ways before crossing the street.
To keep roads safe for trick-or-treaters and others enjoying the festive spirit of the night, Scotts Valley PD will have additional officers on patrol from 2pm to 2am looking for drivers suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
