This Halloween, as kids and families prepare for trick-or-treating, the Susanville Police Department is urging everyone to prioritize safety on the roads. With extra excitement in the air, it’s essential to keep an eye out for little ghosts and goblins and make sure the holiday is as safe as it is fun.
Halloween night has historically seen an increase in traffic-related incidents, and data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that from 2018 to 2022, adults between 21 and 34 made up 54% of fatalities in drunk-driving crashes on Halloween night.
To help everyone stay safe, the Susanville Police Department has shared a few key tips:
For Drivers:
- Slow down in neighborhoods, and stay alert for extra foot traffic.
- Be especially cautious at intersections and driveways.
- Do not drive if you’re impaired; if you plan to drink, arrange for a designated driver or use a rideshare.
For Parents, Caregivers, and Trick-or-Treaters:
- Ensure costumes fit well to prevent tripping.
- Add reflective tape to costumes and bags, and carry flashlights or glow sticks.
- Stick to well-lit areas, use sidewalks, and always look both ways before crossing.
In addition to these tips, the department will have extra patrols on Halloween night, looking for impaired drivers to keep local roads safer. This added safety effort is supported by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the NHTSA.
Stay safe, stay alert, and enjoy the spooky festivities this Halloween night.
