Today, Mayor Edwin M. Lee joined San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD), San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA), and San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) to remind our residents and visitors to take extra caution while traveling through our City’s neighborhoods this Halloween weekend to help ensure the safety of our families and community members while taking part in the various activities.

“Rain or shine, Halloween has always been a ghoulishly festive celebration for San Franciscans. As families, residents, and visitors partake in activities around the city, I want to remind everyone that public safety is our priority and the key to a memorable Halloween weekend,” said Mayor Lee. “If you are planning on driving, biking, walking, or trick-or-treating over the weekend, let us all be mindful of one another on our shared streets and sidewalks.”

“We want your trip on our city streets to be safe whether you’re out trick-or-treating or driving to a Halloween get-together,” said SFMTA Director of Transportation, Ed Reiskin. “Speeding is one of the leading causes of severe and fatal traffic crashes in San Francisco, so this Halloween, we’re reminding drivers that speeding is either going above the posted speed limit or driving at an unreasonable speed in poor conditions. If you don’t see a posted speed limit, the limit is 25 MPH. Please take extra caution while driving this weekend with rain in the forecast and as more kids and families will be out at night.”

As we have done in previous years, the City will provide extra parking control officers and crossing guards to support Halloween pedestrian safety, and the Police Department will deploy extra officers to patrol the streets for public safety.

“Halloween is a time for kids of all ages to participate in this traditional night of trick-or-treating.  I ask that everyone driving pay extra attention for trick-or-treaters.  For those pedestrians who will be participating, please use extra caution while on city streets and wear something visible so that motorists may see you. It's important to obey all traffic signals and make sure you use designated crosswalks when crossing the street, carry a flash light and cell phone in case of an emergency. Be safe and have a happy Halloween,” said Acting Police Chief Toney Chaplin.

Following these simple safety tips will keep us all safe this weekend:

Drivers:

• If you must drive, go slowly and cautiously due to the wet weather.
• Be alert and watch out for the many children who will be crossing the streets.
• Consider alternate forms of transit to get to your destination. Get to where you’re going without worrying about drinking and driving, and other dangerous conditions.

Parents and Guardians:

• Join your children trick-or-treating.
• Carry a flashlight or light sticks or wear reflective gear to increase your visibility to motorists.
• Remind children to cross at intersections or marked cross walks. Walk, don’t run, and look both directions before crossing.
• If possible, opt for costumes that are light in color to increase visibility. If your child is planning on wearing a mask, make sure it does not obstruct your child’s vision.
• As always: Inspect all candy and treats before you allow children to consume them. If any treats look as though the packaging has been opened or tampered with, dispose of it.

Over the past few weeks, there have been reports of ‘Creepy Clown Sightings’, with these incidents becoming more and more frequent, please be mindful of your surroundings and immediately report any suspicious behavior to your local law enforcement.