Halloween is tomorrow night and Ada County is reminding visitors and residents, no matter if you’re trick or treating or going to a party, to keep safety in mind.
With that being said, to accommodate for a mass of trick-or-treaters, Harrison Blvd. will be closed to vehicles from Hill Road to Resseguie Street from 3:00-11:00 p.m. tomorrow night. Only pedestrian traffic will be allowed.
“For Halloween let’s make sure Barbie, Spiderman, and all those celebrating this spooky holiday get home safely,” Boise Police Cpl. Kyle Wills said. “We remind everyone to use extra caution before crossing streets and designate a driver if your plans include alcohol. BPD will be out patrolling for DUI’s and other reckless driving behaviors.”
The North End is not the only area celebrating; parties and events are happening all over. The Idaho State Police will be patrolling the county to ensure safety on the roads.
“Whether participating at a big community event or roaming your local neighborhood, ISP troopers will be patrolling the roadways to keep families and trick-or-treaters safe during Halloween. Remember to drive cautiously, be alert for children crossing the road, use designated drivers if you are impaired, and make Halloween night a time of joy and safety for everyone,” said District 3 Captain Matt Sly of the Idaho State Police.
The county also reminds people to find a designated driver or plan to use a ride-hailing service if they are attending a party or event that includes alcohol.
The county has created tip lists to help enforce safety for all.
Driver Tips
Drivers should be on high alert Tuesday. Children are twice as likely to be killed by a car on Halloween night as on any other night of the year, according to AAA. Here are a few tips from the Ada County Highway District when driving tonight:
- Ensure your headlights are on early. They’ll help you to spot little (and big) kids that are wandering the neighborhoods this Halloween. They also help those on foot and wheels to see you coming.
- Alleyways and driveways can be extra tricky on Halloween. Use extreme caution when entering the roadway from these dark and narrow locations. Triple-check both directions as you slowly make your way across the right of way and CREEP onto the roadway.
Parent Tips
For parents of trick-or-treaters, Boise police recommend the following safety measures:
- Use flashlights, glow sticks, or reflective tape for higher visibility at night.
- Cross at crosswalks and make eye contact with drivers before you cross.
- Eat only factory-wrapped candy and stay away from homemade treats or candy from another country.
- Do not go to dark, unlit houses. Do not go inside a stranger’s house.
Pedestrian Tips
- Use crosswalks and look both ways before crossing.
- Take off masks that may interfere with your vision before crossing a street.
- Use flashlights and reflectors if you are out at dark.
Bicyclists Tips
- Use lights and reflectors.
- Use bike lanes when possible.
- If using a sidewalk yield for pedestrians.
- Watch for passengers opening car doors.
Tips for Kids
- Never enter anyone’s home or car.
- Stay in busy areas, avoid alleys and fields.
- Trick-or-treat in groups.
- Eat only commercially wrapped candy.
- Bring adults or teens along while trick-or-treating.
“Halloween is a fun and exciting time for kids and adults alike,” Meridian’s Crime Prevention Specialist Jennifer Abrao said. “Please keep safety in mind, plan your route ahead of time, stay in well-lit areas, and increase visibility with a flashlight or glow stick.”
Source: BoiseDev