Police, sheriff’s deputies and California Highway Patrol officers will be on the lookout for anyone who drives after imbibing alcohol or taking other intoxicants during Friday’s Halloween celebrations
With kids out trick or treating, the need for safety is paramount, authorities say.
The CHP announced that a 12-hour maximum enforcement period, or MEP, is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. Friday, during which all available officers will deploy onto freeways, highways and unincorporated roads throughout Los Angeles and Orange counties, and statewide, to nab DUI suspects and other lawbreakers.
“Impaired driving destroys lives, and even one life lost is one too many,” CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee said. “This Halloween, we’re asking everyone to do their part before the festivities begin, arrange a sober ride and help us keep California’s roads safe for everyone who uses them.”
During the agency’s 2024 Halloween MEP, there were about 500 crashes in the CHP’s jurisdictions statewide, with nearly 100 of those caused by drunk or drugged motorists. Two people were killed and 60 others injured. A total of 120 drivers were arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated, according to figures.
Parents and guardians who plan to walk with their kids were asked to wear bright clothes and place reflective tape on their youngsters’ bags and buckets to make them more visible to drivers, as well as provide them with flashlights.
Authorities also emphasized the need for people on foot to stick to sidewalks and designated crosswalks whenever possible, preferably walking within well-illuminated corridors and always observing the actions of motorists to ensure there are no conflicts that could result in injuries.
Top brass from the Los Angeles Police Department’s Valley Traffic Division will hold a news conference Friday to stress the importance of Halloween traffic safety.
In West Hollywood, where hundreds of thousands of revelers are expected to celebrate Halloween, a mile-long stretch of Santa Monica Boulevard will be closed to traffic from La Cienega Boulevard to Doheny Drive between 10 a.m. Friday and 6 a.m. Saturday for an event that is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. Friday and end at 11 p.m.
West Hollywood officials say that bringing pets and children to the often crowded event is not advised.
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