Law enforcement officials in Menifee and Riverside Thursday cautioned motorists to be extra careful of the ghouls, goblins, ghosts and other costumed figures that will be out before and during Halloween, emphasizing the importance of driving safe and sober.
“Driving under the influence can turn a spooktacular night into a real-life nightmare,” Menifee police Chief Chris Karrer said. “If your night involves enjoying alcohol at a Halloween party, make sure you plan for a sober ride home. Even one drink can impair judgment.”
Karrer emphasized the need for relying on designated drivers and using services like Uber and Lyft to get home after Halloween parties where alcohol has been consumed.
Riverside police Sgt. James Elliott pointed out that because of “parties, trick-or-treating and other festivities, Halloween night can be especially dangerous on our nation’s roads.”
He urged drivers to pay close attention at pedestrian crossings and along roadway shoulders, where trick-or-treaters are likely to be. Residents going in and out of driveways should also look both ways and take it slow.
Parents and guardians who plan to walk with their kids were asked to wear bright clothes and place reflective tape on their youngsters’ bags and buckets to make them more visible to drivers, as well as provide them with flashlights.
“Walk on sidewalks, when available,” Elliott said. “Avoid darting into the street or crossing between parked cars. Stick to familiar, well-lit routes, and look both ways before crossing the street, making eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of them.”
Beginning Friday and continuing to Tuesday night, the Riverside Police Department will conduct targeted patrols to catch drunken and drug-impaired drivers and other scofflaws.