PRESS RELEASE

October is National Pedestrian Safety Month and the Traffic Safety Team at Yolo County’s Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) is urging everyone to stay alert and look out for one another on the road.

As Halloween approaches, HHSA reminds families and drivers to make safety a top priority as Halloween night can be especially dangerous for pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers due to increased foot traffic and reduced visibility. Everyone plays a role in keeping Yolo County’s roads safe for those enjoying the festivities.

HHSA’s Traffic Safety Team offers the following safety tips to help ensure a safe and enjoyable Halloween. For drivers, it’s essential to slow down and stay alert for increased foot traffic, especially in residential neighborhoods, at intersections and when entering or exiting driveways. Drivers should avoid distractions such as mobile devices and never drive impaired. Planning ahead for a designated driver or using public transit or rideshare services is strongly encouraged for anyone consuming alcohol or other substances.

For chaperones and trick-or-treaters, safety begins with preparation. Costumes should fit properly to prevent trips and falls, and adding lights or reflective tape to costumes, bags, and bicycles can significantly increase visibility. Carrying flashlights, glow sticks, or reflective bands, and wearing bright clothing can also help drivers see pedestrians more easily. When walking, sidewalks whenever available, cross at corners or crosswalks, and avoid running into the street or crossing between parked cars. Families are encouraged to stick to familiar, well-lit routes and make eye contact with drivers, including those operating electric vehicles or scooters, before crossing the street.

October’s focus on pedestrian safety serves as a reminder that safe streets depend on everyone, drivers, walkers, and cyclists alike, making careful choices behind the wheel and on foot. HHSA joins the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in recognizing National Pedestrian Safety Month and encouraging all Yolo County residents to share the road safely.

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. For more information on HHSA’s Traffic Safety Program, contact Traffic.Safety@YoloCounty.gov or call 2-1-1 Yolo for resource information. Follow HHSA on Facebook @YoloCountyHHSA.