Halloween Patrols Through Tuesday In Redwood City

REDWOOD CITY, CA — The Redwood City Police Department is emphasizing safety this Halloween, particularly reminding drivers to stay sober and be extra cautious as children head out to trick-or-treat.

Citing data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, officials note Halloween has historically been a dangerous night on the roads across the country, especially for young adults getting in serious crashes related to drunk driving.

"Driving under the influence can turn a spooktacular night into a real-life nightmare," said Kristina Bell, the city's police chief. "If your night involves 'boos' at a Halloween party, make sure you plan for a sober ride home. Even one drink can impair driving."

To help keep the roads safe, extra Redwood City officers have been on patrol each evening since Friday keeping a lookout for drivers who appear impaired. On Halloween night, the patrols will begin at 4 p.m. and continue until 2 a.m. Wednesday.

The department shared a few safety reminders for everything taking part in Halloween festivities:

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. Ghouls just want to have fun!
• 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 ride-hailing service, or stay the night.

Parents 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.
• 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.