In an effort to make Halloween safer for keiki, Big Island police will be increasing DUI checkpoints and roving patrols this week.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said more than four times as many children ages 5-14 are killed while walking on Halloween evening than at other times of the year.
According to Sgt. Robert P. Pauole, head of the department’s Traffic Services Section, drugs, alcohol or both have been factors in at least 56% of the 23 traffic fatalities on the Big Island so far this year.
He urged all motorists to be extra cautious in the next few days, when a large number of pedestrians may be out for Halloween festivities.
The enhanced enforcement efforts are also part of a statewide and national campaign called “Drive sober or get pulled over.”
“Be especially careful in residential areas by slowing down and looking for children on roadways, medians and curbs,” Pauole said. “If you plan to drink, please don’t drive. Make arrangements to ride with a designated, sober and licensed driver before you start drinking. If you can’t find one, don’t take a chance – take a taxi.”
The police department wished everyone a fun and safe Halloween, and toward that offered the following tips for Halloween safety:
Motorists:
Drive below the posted speed limit during trick-or-treating hours.
Watch for keiki darting out from between parked cars.
Enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully.
Parents:
Accompany your keiki when they go trick-or-treating or make sure they are supervised by a responsible adult.
Have your keiki trick-or-treat in a safe location (consider a local mall or community event).
Make sure keiki are supervised as they cross the street.
Have keiki get out of cars on the curb side, not on the traffic side.
Carry flashlights and use reflective tape or stickers on bags and costumes for keiki to see and be seen.
Avoid masks or costumes that limit a keiki’s vision or movement.
Check all treats before letting your keiki consume them.
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