Tips to Trick-or-Treat Safely This Halloween

This Halloween, there may be ghosts, ghouls, and goblins.  More likely, there will be unsafe drivers.  The California Highway Patrol wants everyone to have a good time on Halloween, and be safe.  Halloween night is exceptionally challenging for pedestrians and drivers to remain safe. Trick-or-treaters need to understand that just because they can see a vehicle’s headlights, the driver may not see them.  There may also be distracted or impaired drivers.  

The Castro Valley CHP’s Commander, Lieutenant Christopher J. Sherry provided the following statement:

“The California Highway Patrol will be out in full force on Halloween as part of the Avoid the 21 Anti-Driving Under the Influence Campaign.  Our officers will be looking for anyone driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.  I assure you that the jail does not hand out candy.  Please drive responsibly.  Additionally, pedestrian safety is one of our top priorities.  Drivers and pedestrians need to look out for one another.  The scariest part of Halloween night is the potential for injuries or death.  By working together, we will save lives.”   

The CHP offers these tips for trick-or-treating pedestrians:

• Always walk on sidewalks or paths and cross streets at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks.

• Increase nighttime visibility by carrying a flashlight or wearing reflective clothing.

• Always looks left-right-left before crossing any street and continue to look for vehicles while crossing.

• If a sidewalk exists, use it. If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic along the shoulder of the road.

• Walk in groups, stay in well-lit areas and do no trick-or-treat alone.

• Avoid costumes that limit mobility or visibility.

• An adult should accompany younger children. All children should receive safety tips before heading out.

• Be aware walking while wearing headphones or looking at electronic devices may prevent you from seeing or hearing dangers in your path.