Lewiston Police Department offers tips for safe, fun Halloween celebrations

Submitted by the Lewiston Police Department

Each year, Halloween is traditionally celebrated with trick-or-treating and parties – and candy and drinks. Unfortunately, the night often includes drunk drivers on the streets and distracted drivers as well. The Lewiston Police Department will have extra patrols on policing our ghouls and goblins. Here are some tips for you to keep Halloween safe.

Safety Tips for Drivers

√ Be alert for trick-or-treaters on Halloween. Slow down and continue to scan the road in areas where they are likely to be or where sight distances are limited.

√ On Halloween, there will likely be more pedestrians on the roads and in places where they are not expected. Slower speeds save lives.

√ Stay alert for pedestrians who may come out from between parked cars or behind shrubbery. Stop; wait for them to pass.

√ Don’t look at your phone when you’re driving. Your attention needs to always be on the road.

√ If you see a drunken driver on the road, contact law enforcement.

Safety Tips for Pedestrians

√ Walk on a sidewalk, if one is available, and use crosswalks. 

√ Before the Halloween festivities begin, create a “buddy system” to get each other home safely and prevent walking alone.

√ Cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks.

√ Look left, right, and left again when crossing, and keep looking as you cross.

√ Put electronic devices down and keep heads up and walk, don’t run, across the street.

√ Teach children to make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of them.

√ Always walk on sidewalks or paths. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible. Children should walk on direct routes with the fewest street crossings.

√ Watch for cars that are turning or backing up. Teach children to never dart out into the street or cross between parked cars. Trick or treat with an adult.

√ Children under the age of 12 should not be alone at night without adult supervision. If kids are mature enough to be out without supervision, remind them to stick to familiar areas that are well lit and trick or treat in groups.

Tips for Party Hosts

Be a responsible party host and take action to make sure guests get home safely.

√ Serve plenty of food and provide nonalcoholic beverage options. 

√ Collect car keys from guests who are drinking.

√ Prepare to call taxis, rideshares, provide sleeping accommodations, or – if you’re sober – drive guests home yourself. 

Remember that social host liability laws may hold you responsible for parties where underage people drink – regardless of who furnishes the alcohol – and you could be held legally responsible for your guests’ behavior after they leave your party.