SEATTLE — Halloween is just around the corner, and this year, it falls on a Saturday.
Since the holiday falls on a weekend, expect more ghouls and goblins across the state to be out in full force, and much later than if the holiday were on a school night.
Here are some things you can be mindful of to make sure everyone has a safe and happy Halloween:
For drivers
- Be alert for trick-or-treaters and other pedestrians
- Slow down and scan the road. Make sure your headlights are on, as it gets dark earlier.
For kids/parents trick-or-treating
- Carry glow sticks or flashlights for visibility.
- Stay in well-lit areas and only go to houses that have the porch lights on.
- Registered sex offenders are not allowed to have decorations up for Halloween night and are not allowed to have candy out. While deputies make rounds and check in with offenders to tell them not to have a porch light on, parents with concerns should check the sex offender registry before going out.
- If possible, cross streets at designated crosswalks or intersections.
For adults
- If you’re going out to bars or a party and plan to drink, choose someone to be the designated driver.
- If that is not an option, use a ride-share or a taxi. An Uber or Lyft costs less than a DUI, and removes the chance of you hurting or killing someone if you are drunk behind the wheel.
- According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2024, nearly half of all deadly crashes reported on Halloween night were alcohol-related.