As Halloween approaches, ghosts and goblins of all ages are getting ready to head out for trick-or-treating fun starting this weekend 10/26 in Novato. To make sure the holiday stays as safe as it is spooky, Novato Police has put together a set of safety tips for parents, kids, and drivers. Let’s work together to keep Halloween safe and memorable for everyone trick-or-treating.
Because of the parties, trick-or-treating and other festivities, Halloween night can be especially dangerous on our nation’s 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 2018 and 2022.
Whether you are celebrating Halloween or enjoying the night out, Novato Police offers the following tips for families 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 are heading to a local bar, restaurant or house party and plan to drink, bring the designated sober driver with you, use public transit or a 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.
- Have kids use flashlights or glow sticks to make it easier for drivers to see them.
- 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. Make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of them.
In an effort to keep our roads safe for trick-or-treaters and others enjoying the festive spirit of the night, Novato Police will have additional officers on patrol 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.
