The Riverside Police Department Reminds the Public to Watch for Trick-or-Treaters on Halloween
Published: 10/30/2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Oct. 30, 2019
Contact:
Sergeant Ryan D. Wilson
Riverside Police Department
Field Operations – Traffic Bureau
951-351-6046
The Riverside Police Department Reminds the Public to Watch for Trick-or-Treaters on Halloween
RIVERSIDE, Calif. – With Halloween fast approaching, the Riverside Police Department is reminding parents to be prepared and keep a close watch on their children as they walk through the neighborhood collecting candy and treats.
For parents and guardians, that means making sure children are visible to drivers. Adults should be using a designated sober driver when leaving a local bar, restaurant, or house party.
Sergeant Ryan Wilson said, “Drivers should expect to see more people out walking than normal, even with Halloween falling on a Thursday this year. Be patient and look for trick-or-treaters crossing streets. We want you to have fun, but also be responsible so that everyone can enjoy a safe night out.”
Remember that “DUI doesn’t Just Mean Booze.” If you take prescription drugs, particularly those with a “Do Not Operate Heavy Machinery” warning label, you might be impaired enough to get a DUI. Marijuana can also be impairing, especially in combination with alcohol or other drugs.
Your Riverside Police Department offers these tips for drivers and parents on Halloween night:
- Carry a flashlight so drivers can see you.
- Have children wear costumes that are easy to walk in and see out of, making sure it doesn’t cause them to trip and fall or block the child’s view.
- Stick to familiar, well-lit neighborhoods.
- Only cross the street at crosswalks or corners where it is safe. Always look left, right, then left again before crossing.
- Always look up and avoid the distraction of using a cell phone while walking.
- Be aware that trick-or-treaters may cross mid-block, or from behind parked cars so be cautious and slow down.
- Decide before going out whether you plan to drink or drive. You can’t do both.
- Hosting a party? Offer non-alcohol drinks and don’t allow anyone who may be impaired to get behind the wheel to drive.
Whether by bicycle, car, motorcycle or on foot, the Riverside Police Department encourages everyone Halloween night, and every other night, to go safely. Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
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