Halloween Safety Tips From Beverly Hills Police

BEVERLY HILLS, CA —The Beverly Hills Police Department is offering up some safety tips to make sure goblins and ghouls of all ages have a safe night. Parents should be prepared and keep a close watch on their children as they go through the neighborhood collecting candy and treats, BHPD said. Parents and guardians should also make sure children are visible to drivers.

Adults should be using a designated sober driver when leaving a local bar, restaurant, or house party, police said.

"Drivers should expect to see more people out walking than normal, even with Halloween falling on a Thursday this year," Beverly Hills Police Chief Sandra Spagnoli said. "Be patient and look for trick-or-treaters. We want everyone to have fun, but also be responsible and get home safely."

In an effort to keep trick-or-treaters and others in the Halloween spirit safe, the Beverly Hills Police Department will have additional officers on patrol Halloween night from 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. looking for drivers suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, police said.

Remember that “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze.” Prescription drugs, especially those with a “Do Not Operate Heavy Machinery” warning label, and marijuana can make drivers impaired enough to get a DUI.

The Beverly Hills Police Department offers these tips for drivers and parents out with children trick-or-treating:

• Carry a flashlight so drivers can see you.
• Have children wear costumes that are easy to walk in and see out of. Make sure costumes and masks fit well and don’t block a child’s view or cause them to trip and fall.
• Stick to familiar, well-lit routes.
• Only cross the street at crosswalks or corners where it is safe. Always look left, right, then left again before crossing.
• Always look up. Avoid using the phone while walking.
• Look out for trick-or-treaters who may cross the street mid-block, or from behind parked cars.
• If you plan to drink, plan to use a designated sober driver.
• Hosting a party? Offer non-alcoholic drinks and don't allow anyone who may be impaired leave.