Louisiana Officials Issue Halloween Safety Warning For Residents

The Louisiana Halloween season is in full swing and residents statewide, especially our youngest, are looking forward to attending the many activities and parties. However, before heading out on your trick-or-treating adventure the Louisiana State Police have issued an important safety warning for residents (10/29/24).

Troopers urge parents and guardians to be aware of dangerous situations as they commute to party events or tour neighborhoods by foot with children in costumes. To avoid a real-life Halloween nightmare residents are reminded to exercise caution by making family safety a priority, to ensure an enjoyable night of trick-or-treating for everyone as released via lsp.org.

•Ensure that your child remains as visible as possible by carrying a flashlight or glow stick and/or wearing reflective clothing or costumes to alert drivers of the child’s location.

•Remember that masks can restrict vision and breathing, restricting sight of oncoming vehicles. Face painting is a safer option.

•Avoid potential tripping hazards, such as costumes that drag on the ground.

•Accompany children so they do not enter homes or vehicles without permission.

•Plan your trick-or-treating route in familiar neighborhoods with well-lit streets.

•Remember to walk on sidewalks when available. If walking on the street is necessary, pedestrians should walk on the left side of the road facing traffic.

•Children should also know their address, phone number, and how to dial 911 for emergencies. Young children should have this information attached somewhere on their costumes in the event they get separated or lost.

•Parents are urged to inspect all candy.

•Motorists should also use caution and drive slowly through residential areas and intersections leading to neighborhoods. Trick-or-treaters may run across the street without looking for vehicles, or their vision could be obscured by masks. Also, Troopers ask that you drive with your headlights on, even during daylight and dusk hours, so that other vehicles and pedestrians can see you from farther distances.

PLEASE NOTE - That the current Louisiana State Law it illegal for a registered sex offender to participate in any Halloween trick-or-treat activities. Parents and guardians can find out if sex offenders and predators are in their neighborhoods by visiting the Louisiana Sex Offender and Child Predator Registry. If you learn a sex offender is attending a costume party or giving out candy where children are present, notify local law enforcement immediately.

Adults attending Halloween parties or events who plan on consuming alcoholic beverages are strongly advised to plan for a safe ride home in advance via a designated driver or arrange for an Uber, Lyft, ride-share, or taxi transportation. Sober partygoers are encouraged not to let friends drive drunk.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) warns of the latest data by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that 39% of fatal car crashes on Halloween involved impaired drivers. Studies also show pedestrian deaths are up from 40% to 43% on Halloween compared to other nights.