Safety Tips, 6th Street Parking Ban Details For Halloween

AUSTIN, TEXAS — The Austin Police Department on Monday detailed plans to curb Halloween-related drunk driving while offering tips for safe trick-or-treating.

"Halloween weekend is often associated with parties and gatherings in which alcohol is present," police said. "APD encourages people to make the responsible choice not to drive if they are impaired in any way. APD is focused on saving lives in the Austin metropolitan area and making roadways safe for everyone through education and enforcement."

Starting at 6 p.m. this Halloween on Wednesday, Oct 31, cars will begin being towed given a ban on street parking along the entertainment corridor. Police urged motorists to heed the warnings related to parking bans as getting vehicles out of impound facilities is both frustrating and costly.

Parking also will be banned along side streets leading to 6th Street, and signs will be posted alerting motorists to those prohibited zones as well, police said. "Due to expected large crowds on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018, Sixth Street will be closed to vehicular traffic from Brazos Street to the West Frontage of IH-35," police said. "Cross streets will be closed between Fifth and Seventh streets."

Related story: Austin Police Brace For 6th Street Halloween Madness

Towing will begin immediately as streets are closed off, police stressed: "Closures should be completed by 6 p.m. and towing of vehicles parked on Sixth Street and cross streets (Brazos, San Jacinto, Trinity, Neches, Red River and Sabine) will begin at 6 p.m.," police warned. Owners of vehicles towed during this time should locate their vehicle using Auto Return’s website www.autoreturn.com, and have their license plate or Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) available. "

Also potentially being targeted for closure is the Interstate 35 southbound 8th to 3rd Street exit and the I-35 northbound 6th Street exit. Additional I-35 exit ramps may be closed depending on the amount of vehicle and pedestrian traffic in the 6th Street area, police added

"Closures will be dictated by crowd size to ensure pedestrian safety," police said.

The press conference also warned of offenses that, while of the common-sense variety, should also be heeded. For example, adults serving alcohol to minors on Halloween will be arrested and prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Also, costumes should not include any banned firearms and other weapons. Naturally, those choosing to consume alcohol as part of their Halloween festivities should not drive, as police will be out in force looking for drunk drivers.

"The Austin Police Department (APD) will be conducting a No Refusal Initiative on Halloween night," police advised. "This initiative will be operational from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. This initiative is an effort to enforce DWI laws, keep the public safe by encouraging drivers to make responsible decisions, and to apply for blood search warrants on suspects who refuse to provide a breath or blood specimen as required by law."

What "no refusal" means is that those unwilling to provide a voluntary breath or blood sample will be compelled to do so via on-the-spot bench warrants from municipal judges. This will enable police to draw blood from non-compliant motorists in checking for intoxication levels.

"APD is continuously focused on preventing lives from being lost on the streets, highways and waterways of Austin," police explained. "The department is dedicated to making the roadways and waterways of Austin safe for residents and visitors through education and enforcement."

Here are the offered safety tips:

• Know your trick-or-treater's route.
• Take a flashlight.
• Be sure costumes, shoes, and treat bags are safe.
• Remind children not to enter a stranger's home or car.
• Set rules about not eating treats until your children are home. Inspect all treats before allowing kids to eat them.
• Candy that has been opened should be thrown away. Any homemade treats or fruit should be inspected closely and discretion used as to whether to consume.
• Remember drivers have a hard time seeing people, especially at dusk.
• Never cross the street from between parked cars.
• Watch open flames from jack-o-lanterns as they present a fire hazard for costumes and long wigs. Review the "stop, drop and roll" procedure in case your costume catches on fire.
• Only visit well-lit houses. Do not stop at dark houses.
• Don't enter any homes unless you know the people.
• Carry a spare Halloween bag -- in case it breaks or your original one is filled.
• Make sure fake knives, swords, and guns are made from cardboard or other flexible materials to avoid accidental injury or having them mistaken for the real thing.
• Don't cut across yards. Use sidewalks and stay out of back yards.
• Follow traffic signals and do not jaywalk or cross at mid-block.
• Always watch for cars backing up or turning.
• Never accept rides from strangers.
• Respect other people and their property.
• Be polite and say "thank you."

It is also important to ensure that your home is safe and accessible to trick-or-treaters, police said. To that end, police offered simple steps to make the evening safe for everyone:

• Turn on your porch light.
• Move lit jack-o-lanterns to a safe area for fire safety. Kids often trick-or-treat in groups and the area may get congested.
• Remove objects from your yard that might present a hazard.
• Drive slowly all evening. You never know what little “creature” may suddenly cross your path.
• Report any suspicious or criminal activity to the police.

For adults celebrating Halloween, there are some things to consider when wearing that "perfect" costume, police said:

• Make sure any accessories, such as fake guns, knives, and other potentially dangerous items are not mistaken for the real thing.
• Fire safety and visibility are important for adult costumes. Apply the same standards to adult costumes as you do to your children's.
• Remember adults that are dressed up can be scary to young children.

"The Austin Police Department wishes everyone a safe and fun Halloween," police said.

Notwithstanding the good wishes, police remind revelers that:

• No illegal weapons of any type will be allowed. Anyone with illegal items will be subject to arrest and the property is subject to seizure. Even though Gov. Greg Abbott championed passage of the "open carry" in January 2016 — a law that allow for licensed gun owners to carry their firearms and other weapons freely in a show of support for the 2nd Amendment — the conservative ideal will not be allowed on Halloween.
• Open containers of alcohol are prohibited on 6th Street.
• Glass containers are prohibited on 6th Street.
• Don’t drink and drive. APD will be conducting a NO REFUSAL initiative.

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