LOS ANGELES (CNS) – Ghosts, goblins, super heroes and other characters will be out in search of treats this Halloween night and the Los Angeles Police Department offered some tips to keep them safe.
The LAPD estimates two million children live in LA County. Research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association indicated pedestrian deaths are 43% higher on Halloween, and children between the ages of 4 and 8 are 10 times more likely to be hit by a vehicle.
The commander of the LAPD’s Valley Traffic Division, Capt. Gerry Davila, offered tips Friday for safe Trick-or-Treating:
– Look left, right and left again when crossing and keep looking as you cross. Don’t run, across the street.
– Teach children to make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of them.
– Always walk on sidewalks or paths. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible. Children should walk on direct routes with the fewest street crossings.
– Watch for cars that are turning or backing up. Teach children to never dart out into the street or cross between parked cars. Trick-or-Treat with an adult.
– Children under the age of 12 should not be alone at night without adult supervision. If they are mature enough to be out without supervision, remind them to stick to familiar areas that are well lit and trick-or treat in groups.
– Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers and, if possible, choose light colors. Choose face paint and makeup whenever possible instead of masks, which can obstruct a child’s vision. Costumes should be sized to prevent trips and falls.
– Drivers should slow down and be alert in residential neighborhoods, especially between 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and take extra time to look for children at intersections, on medians and on curbs.
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