FRESNO (KMJ) — The annual gathering of costumed youngsters, also known as Halloween, is prompting a warning from law enforcement.
“This time of the year we see an uprise in collisions and of course with all the children and pedestrians out on the roadways there is an additional danger there,” revealed Fresno Police Officer John Belli Jr.
“45% of people killed [in motor vehicle crashes] on Halloween night in recent years involved some kind of alcohol impairment.”
That figure is from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which also states 36% of fatal pedestrian crashes on Halloween night involved drunk drivers.
“Get a cab, Lyft, Uber,” advised Officer Belli. “Anything that keeps someone from getting behind the wheel after they’ve been drinking or utilizing any kind of drugs.”
Figures for the City of Fresno also show the time around Halloween to be dangerous. The numbers reveal 32 collisions in the last three years, one of which was a fatal crash.
“We’re trying to get that message out to the pedestrians also to be careful when crossing the road, follow the rules of the road, and be as safe as possible – especially at night.”
Tulare County Sheriff’s Office’s advice is for youngsters to wear light colored costumes, apply reflective tape to costumes, take a flashlight when outside, and plan a route in advance. Deputies add that parents should only allow children to go to homes with a porch light on, and remember to inspect their candy.
Hear the report from KMJ’s Dominic McAndrew as it aired:
