Halloween falling on a Saturday means plenty of adults will be joining the celebrations this year, and Smiths Falls Police say enjoying the night safely can be as simple as planning ahead.
Constable Sean Keoghan says police expect more pedestrian and vehicle traffic as people travel between family gatherings, teen events and adult Halloween parties.
His message isn’t that people shouldn’t celebrate.
It’s that anyone using alcohol, cannabis or other impairing substances should leave the driving to someone else.
Smiths Falls offers several alternatives.
Keoghan notes the community is compact enough that walking may be an option for some people, while taxis, designated drivers, friends and family can also provide a safe way home.
Police are encouraging people to make those arrangements before heading out rather than trying to solve the problem later in the night.
Keoghan says one message he continues to hear is particularly encouraging.
He says knowing someone will pick you up without hesitation can make an important difference.
Halloween parties may also run later this year because of the Saturday date, making advance transportation plans even more useful.
Police are confident most people understand the responsibility that comes with celebrating.
The message is simply to use the options already available, look out for friends and make sure everyone gets home safely.
That way, the biggest concern Sunday morning can remain the usual one after Halloween — how much candy is left.
