Full Notification

Halloween is an opportunity to show our children how to be part of a community and how to have fun that is based on good will and making safe choices. Therefore, the Pleasanton Police Department would like to offer safety information to in preparation for this year’s Halloween related events.

Sadly, children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed Halloween than any other day of the year according to the CDC. Being of smaller stature than adults, children often have more trouble judging distances and speeds. They also have little to no experience with the rules of the road. It is imperative that adults teach and model best safety practices for our youth. Some of these practices include:

• Costume choice. Costumes should not pose a tripping hazard or diminish the ability to see clearly.
• Education. Before trick-or-treating, talk about basic traffic safety and the rules of the road.
• Being visible. Consider putting reflective tape on clothes and costumes.
• Pay attention. Distracted walking can be as dangerous as distracted driving.
• Using crosswalks. Never cross the street from between parked cars, cross at intersections.
• Walking smart. Bring glow sticks or a flashlight to see in the dark and walk on sidewalks rather than in the street.
• Being present. Young children should ways be accompanied by a responsible adult who is familiar with traffic safety laws and best practices.

Drivers also play a part in making safe choices on Halloween. This includes parents and caregivers who transport trick-or-treaters, no matter how short the distance. Children are at greater risk of injury than adults and they make up the majority of pedestrians on Halloween. Drivers on Halloween should consider the following:

• Experience. Inexperienced drivers should consider letting a more seasoned driver take the wheel on Halloween. New drivers who are minors (under 18) must adhere to the conditions of their driver’s license.
• On demand driving. Rather than risking the consequences of driving under the influence, take advantage of the many on demand driving services available, or designate a sober driver.
• Distractions. Put phones in the glove box or backseat. Costumes and makeup should not interfere with sight or mobility necessary to drive safely.
• Seat belts. Properly buckle up children in safety seats, no matter how short the trip. Costumes shouldn’t interfere with them being buckled properly.
• Defensive driving. Stay alert, be aware that pedestrians may be hard to see or wearing dark clothing. Enter and exit driveways with extra caution.
• Slowing down. Pay attention to the speed limit and drive slower when pedestrians are present.
• Stopping. Do not pass stopped vehicles, they may be stopped for a pedestrian.

This Halloween, pedestrian and driver awareness can prevent tragedy. Pleasanton’s safety is not the charge of any single organization. It requires vigilant dedication from the police department in partnership with residents, visitors and those who are ‘just passing through.’ This Halloween, the men and women of the Pleasanton Police Department will be watching over Pleasanton as if every family and business were his or her own.