Halloween revelers who risk driving under the influence or breaking other traffic laws could face scary consequences with the California Highway Patrol and other law enforcement agencies slated Friday to crack down on anyone who takes their thrills too far.
Beginning at 6 p.m., the CHP will be conducting a 12-hour maximum enforcement period, or MEP, during which all available officers will deploy onto freeways, highways and unincorporated roads throughout Riverside County to nab DUI suspects and other lawbreakers.
Personnel from the Beaumont, Blythe, Indio, Riverside and Temecula CHP stations are slated to take part in the enforcement campaign.
“Impaired driving destroys lives, and even one life lost is one too many,” CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee said. “This Halloween, we’re asking everyone to do their part before the festivities begin, arrange a sober ride and help us keep California’s roads safe for everyone who uses them.”
During the agency’s 2024 Halloween MEP, there were about 500 crashes in the CHP’s jurisdictions statewide, with nearly 100 of those caused by drunken or drugged motorists. Two people were killed and 60 others injured. A total of 120 drivers were arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated last Halloween, according to figures.
“Whether it’s Halloween, or any night of the year, the decision to drive sober can save a life,” Duryee said. “Together, we can make our roads safer and prevent tragedies before they happen.”
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department and municipal police agencies countywide will conduct their own sobriety patrols, as well as enforce all road rules with the goal of keeping trick-or-treaters and the public at large safe.
“As families and children celebrate Halloween, it’s important for drivers to do their part in keeping our streets safe,” Banning police Capt. Brandon Smith said. “If you plan on celebrating, make sure you have a plan to use a designated driver, public transit, or call a taxi or ride share service for a sober ride home. Driving impaired, even a short distance, puts everyone at risk.”
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.
Authorities also emphasized the need for people on foot to stick to sidewalks and designated cross walks whenever possible, preferably walking within well-illuminated corridors and always observing the actions of motorists to ensure there are no conflicts that could result in injuries.