MEDIA RELEASE

Big Island police will conduct DUI checkpoints and roving patrols from Friday through Halloween, which falls on Monday. The effort is part of a national and statewide campaign called “Drive sober or get pulled over.”

Sergeant Robert Pauole, head of the HawaiÊ»i Police Department’s Traffic Services Section, pointed out that drugs, alcohol or both have been factors in 72 percent of the 18 traffic fatalities we’ve experienced so far this year. He urges all motorists to be extra cautious in the next few days, when a large number of pedestrians may be out for Halloween festivities.

“Be especially careful in residential areas by slowing down and looking for keiki on roadways and shoulders,” Pauole said. “If you plan to drink, please don’t drive. Make arrangements to ride with a designated, sober and licensed driver before you start drinking. If you can’t find one, don’t take a chance—take a taxi.”

Police offer the following tips for pedestrian safety over the Halloween weekend:

• Make sure children are supervised as they cross the street.
• Have children get out of cars on the curb side, not on the traffic side.
• Drive below the posted speed limit during trick-or-treating hours.
• Watch for children on roadways and on medians.
• Exit driveways and alleyways carefully.

The Police Department wishes everyone a fun and safe Halloween.