Halloween Trick-Or-Treat Safety Tips For Palm Desert Families, Party-Goers And Drivers

PALM DESERT, CA — On Halloween night, trick-or-treaters of all ages will be heading out for trick-or-treating fun in Palm Desert, Coachella Valley, and neighborhoods across Riverside County.

To ensure the evening remains safe for everyone on the roads, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department reminds those attending 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 our nation’s roads.

Due to a plethora of parties, trick-or-treating and other festivities, Halloween night can be perilous on our 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.

Whether you are celebrating Halloween or enjoying the night out, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office offers 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.

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