Halloween Safety Tips From Manhattan Beach Police

MANHATTAN BEACH, CA — Halloween is right around the corner, and the Manhattan Beach Police Department would like to remind residents about how to keep your little ghouls and ghosts safe on Halloween.

Residents and drivers should watch for trick-or-treaters on Halloween night, and parents should be prepared and keep a close watch on their children as they collect candy, making sure kids are visible to drivers, MBPD said. Adults should use designated sober driver when attending and leaving a local bar, restaurant or house party.

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

The Manhattan Beach Police Department will also have additional officers on patrol Halloween night, looking for drivers suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. Drivers should remember that "DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze," police said. Marijuana and prescription drugs, particularly those with a "Do Not Operate Heavy Machinery" warning label, can be impairing enough to get a DUI, police said.

The Manhattan Beach 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

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