(FOX40.COM) — For the first time in 11 years, Halloween is falling on a Friday. With no school the next day, little ghosts, princesses, super-heroes and other spooky young community members are expected to be out and about in full force searching for their annual fix of tricks and treats.
While that may mean candy and costumes to the community’s children, for parents, this night of thrills, could also come with real-life chills. Local law enforcement officials from localities all across the greater Sacramento region remind community members to be diligent.
FOX40 spoke with Else Soviar with the Placer County Sheriff’s Office. She shared a message to anyone who plans to be out on the road.
“Keep an eye out,” Soviar said. “Slow your roll a little bit. It doesn’t hurt just to drive a little bit slower, especially for this one night and really throughout the weekend.”
According to TimeandDate.com, the sun should set a little after six o’clock Friday night. Soviar said trick-or-treating traffic is expected to peak between 5:30 and 9:30 p.m., which means a large part of the night will be spent under a shield of darkness.
“Get glow sticks,” Soviar said. “Put them on wrists. You can even put them on ankles. Get the necklaces to go around kids necks. Just anything that can make them stand out more.”
And over in Marysville, a spokesperson for the police department told FOX40 that — whether behind the wheel or knocking on doors — one can never be too prepared.
“Because anything is unpredictable with traffic,” they said.
These local officials urge drivers to move particularly slowly and cautiously. They also said a trusted adult should join young kids. The night can be chaotic even for some of our older candy-hunters, so tweens and teens should still travel in groups.
“Obviously expect traffic,” they said. “Look for vehicles. Try to try to have children not distracted by what they’re visually seeing when they’re crossing the road. Pay attention.”
The Roseville Police Department told FOX40 that officers will be out patrolling — making sure monsters and goblins are the only scary things out and about. Soviar said Placer County deputies will also be on high alert.
“With Halloween being on a Friday, drinking and driving is probably more of a concern than it might be if it was in the middle of the week,” Soviar said. “Anybody who is out on the road [should be] aware of the drivers around you and [pay] attention to their behaviors.”
Officials also remind parents and children to avoid approaching homes without a porch light on.
They said if you see something suspicious, don’t be afraid to speak up and contact your local police department.
Sierra Krug
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