FCSO to increase traffic enforcement on Halloween Day

Palm Coast Observer
News

By Brittany Kershaw

FCSO Public Affairs Manager

The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office will have a traffic enforcement detail on Halloween day at high crash locations. This detail will focus on speeding and aggressive driving. Patrol units, bicycle patrol and C.O.P.s will also have an increased presence on residential neighborhood roads where children are trick-or-treating.

"As always, safety is our number one priority,” Sheriff Rick Staly said. “There will be more people on the roads traveling to Halloween activities and there will be children and parents walking through residential neighborhoods. Please drive slowly and watch for trick-or-treaters. Secure your pets before answering the door. If you plan to consume alcohol, make sure you have a sober driver. As always we
would ask trick-or-treaters to be respectful and trick-or-treat early and end at a reasonable time.”

Treat-or-Treaters:

Make sure your costume fits properly and that masks don’t obstruct your vision.
Carry a flashlight or a glow stick.
Never trick-or-treat alone.
Only visit well-lit homes and always stay on the porch. Never enter the home.
Look both ways before crossing the street and never run in the street.
All candy should be inspected by an adult before eating.

Parents:

Supervise children at all times.
Inspect all candy before letting your kids (or you) eat it. When in doubt, throw it out.
Speak with your child about an emergency plan in case of separation.
Make sure your child knows their home phone number and address.
Consider attending a trunk-or-treat or community event near you.

Drivers:

Reduce your speed and watch for pedestrians.
Use your headlights, even at dusk.
Don’t let children ride unsecured in vehicles, even when driving from house to house.
If you drink, do not drive.

Popular trick-or-treating areas will have an increased presence from the FCSO. Sugar Mill Plantation and the Bellaire Drive-area of Palm Coast, in particular, are known to have heavy pedestrian and vehicle traffic during Halloween. FCSO Motor Units, Bicycle Units, and C.O.P. volunteers will be present to help with pedestrian traffic and any assistance needed. Lighted crosswalks will be operated by
deputies in Sugar Mill Plantation in order to help pedestrians safely cross Old Kings Road. Pedestrians are urged to only cross at the lighted cross walks when possible.

Note that Eagle Lakes in Flagler Beach is a private community and public parking is not allowed on vacant lots or in the road. The Eagle Lakes Home Owners Association has issued passes to residents and authorized guests and will be controlling access to their community.

Any suspicious persons or incidents should be immediately reported to the Sheriff’s Office. For emergencies, call 911. For non-emergencies, call 386-313-4911.