As students are picking costumes and getting ready to take the streets for the upcoming Halloween weekend, the issue of safe travel also arises.
Scott Paré, the Boston University Police Department acting chief, wrote in an email that the department plans to elevate their safety measures over the weekend in anticipation of increased activity.
“There seems to be more opportunities to attend parties and an increase in excessive alcohol consumption,” Paré wrote. “Extra patrols will be out in all Boston neighborhoods to ensure the safety of all.”
For this year’s Halloween, especially in light of the recent clown sightings and threats, Paré warned students to not wear clown costumes and avoid sparking fear and anxiety in the general public.
He also recommended students look out for the danger that comes along with walking in Boston late in the evening.
“Be aware of your surroundings and if possible do not walk alone at night,” Paré wrote. “Be sure that if you wear a costume, that they are bright, reflective and flame retardant.”
Susan Hendrick, an Uber spokesperson, said the ride-hailing app is a viable transportation option for students if they want to avoid walking along busy streets.
Hendrick said the company expects millions of people to use the service over the Halloween weekend, especially in the Boston area where there is a large college student population.
“We feel that Uber is a safe, reliable, affordable, convenient way to help people get around,” Hendrick said. “On Halloween, if you’re drinking, it is a great way to not have to get behind a wheel. You just push a button, and have a trip home.”
Hendrick said the company has a strong focus on making the service as safe as possible for both the riders and the drivers.
“Safety is key,” Hendrick said. “[But] no means of transportation is 100 percent incident-free, and that includes ridesharing. We’re always looking for ways to improve safety in our communities and using the Uber app.”
In light of this possible increase in risk, Hendrick said there are many things students can do to maximize their safety no matter how they choose to get around over the weekend.
“Planning ahead, knowing what options are available to you and trusting your instincts are ways that people can make sure to stay safe regardless of how they get home and go out and celebrate this holiday,” Hendrick said.
Some students said they generally feel comfortable with the transportation options for the Halloween weekend, while others are still concerned with safety.
Lauren Blackburn, a sophomore in the College of Communication, said she plans on going out to celebrate Halloween over the weekend, and she is not worried about transportation.
“As long as you’re paying attention to your surroundings, you should be fine,” Blackburn said. “Safety shouldn’t be an issue more than any other weekend, honestly.”
Gennifer Norman, a freshman in the College of Engineering, said transportation will not be an issue over the weekend because “safe options are easy to come.”
Despite her trust in safe transportation, Norman said she recognizes that general safety during Halloween as a whole may be an issue.
“I feel like the normal safety issues involved with partying are increased around Halloween weekend,” Norman said. “People just seem to party harder when there’s a special reason like a holiday.”
Shaher Boustany, a first-year graduate student in ENG, said the weekend celebrations may increase risk for students.
“In America, they make a big deal of Halloween, and so people like to drink a lot,” Boustany said. “This will make it more probable for something to happen.”
