Lake Elsinore Deputies Offer Halloween Safety Tips, Urge Against Driving Drunk

LAKE ELSINORE, CA — On Halloween night, as trick-or-treaters and their families take to the streets of Lake Elsinore, Wildomar and Canyon Lake, authorities are urging drivers to slow down, stay sober and plan ahead.

The Riverside County Sheriff's Office is reminding those planning for parties and celebrations also to designate a sober driver on Oct. 31, which falls on a Friday this year.

In 2023, one person was killed every 42 minutes in a drunk-driving crash across the U.S., the department said.

“As families and children celebrate Halloween, it’s important for drivers to do their part in keeping our streets safe, “Deputy Hadeen said. “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.”

Due to an increase in parties, trick-or-treating and other festivities, Halloween night can be an especially dangerous one on the road. What's more, adults between 21 and 34 had the highest percentage (54 percent) of deaths in drunk-driving crashes on Halloween night between 2019 and 2023, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The department offered the following safety tips for Halloween night.

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.

Police warn that it isn't just alcohol that can impair driving. Some prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving. And while recreational marijuana is legal, driving under the influence of it is not.

Drivers charged with a first-time DUI can face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties and have their license suspended.