Mayor, SFUSD, SFMTA, and SFPD join forces to make Halloween weekend safe for children and families

Mayor Edwin M. Lee, the San Francisco Unified School District, the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency, and the San Francisco Police Department today reminded residents and visitors to take caution when traveling through the City’s neighborhoods while participating in various activities this Halloween.

“Our little superheroes, goblins, witches and ghouls should be concerned only with how much candy is in their Halloween bag this year,” said Mayor Lee. “We are increasing our resources and staffing to ensure that this year’s festivities are safe, fun and enjoyable for everyone. We are asking that our trick-or-treating families use caution and common sense, and to follow the safety tips of our City agencies when walking the streets of San Francisco this Halloween.”

Every year, City agencies work to provide safety measures to protect people on Halloween night. This year, the SFMTA will provide extra parking control officers and crossing guards to support Halloween pedestrian safety, and the Police Department will deploy additional officers to patrol the streets for public safety.

“This Halloween, we want all trick-or-treaters, party-goers and travelers to get to where they’re going and get home safely,” said SFMTA Director of Transportation, Ed Reiskin. “We encourage everyone to be aware as the days get shorter, to be extra careful and to slow down so everyone can have a fun night.”

"Everyone can do their part to help ensure a safe evening for trick-or-treaters of all ages," said San Francisco Police Chief William Scott. "Pedestrians should uses flashlights or wear reflective clothing to make sure they are visible. As always, drivers should obey all transit laws and be alert to increased foot traffic on City streets."

City agencies are offering the following safety tips for this Halloween weekend:

Drivers:

• ALWAYS obey the posted speed limit.
• If you must drive, go slowly and cautiously, regardless of weather, traffic conditions or time of day.
• Be alert and watch out for the many children who will be crossing the streets.
• Anticipate heavy pedestrian traffic and turn your headlights on earlier in the day to spot children from greater distances.
• Slow down and be especially alert in school zones, near playgrounds and parks, and in all residential areas
• Consider alternative forms of transit to get to your destination. Get to where you are going without worrying about drinking and driving, and other potentially dangerous situations.

Parents and Guardians:

• Join your children trick-or-treating.
• Carry a flashlight, light stick or wear reflective gear to increase your visibility to motorists.
• Remind children to cross at intersections or marked crosswalks. Walk, don’t run, and always 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 their vision.
• As always, inspect all candy and treats before you allow children to consume them. If any treat looks as though the packaging has been opened or tampered with, dispose of it.
• Review with children how to call 9-1-1 if they ever have an emergency or become lost.

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