How to stay safe on Halloween: Tips from Southern California police

Authorities on Wednesday urged Southern Californians to follow safety guidelines on Halloween — not only for children who go out trick-or-treating, but also for adults who will be celebrating.

“The No. 1 cause of death attributed to Halloween is a collision between a pedestrian and a motor vehicle,” the Los Angeles Police Department said in a statement. “A pedestrian death is four times more likely to occur on Halloween.”

On average, children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a vehicle and killed on Halloween than on any other day of the year, the LAPD reported.

“As families and children enjoy the spooky fun of Halloween, it’s important for drivers to do their part in keeping our streets safe,” Beverly Hills Police Chief Mark G. Stainbrook said in a statement. “If you plan on celebrating, make sure you have a game plan to use a designated driver or rideshare service. Driving impaired, even for a short distance, puts everyone at risk.”

Motorists were urged to follow these safety guidelines:

— Drivers should avoid using handheld electronic devices

— Remember that as soon as you step out of your car, you become a pedestrian

— If you see a drunk driver or impaired pedestrian on the road, contact local law enforcement

— Be especially alert for all road users, including pedestrians, at night

— Slow down in areas where pedestrians are likely to be or where sight distances are limited

— Keep your windshield clean

Pedestrians were urged to follow these safety guidelines:

— Make yourself as visible to motorists as possible, especially at night and in low light, by carrying a flashlight, wearing a small flashing strobe light, and wearing reflective clothing. The sooner drivers see you, the sooner they can react.

— Make sure costumes fit well to prevent trips and falls

— Decorate costumes and bags/buckets with reflective tape

— Have children use flashlights or glow sticks to make it easier for drivers to see them

— Carry your flashlight on the side closest to traffic

— Walk on a sidewalk if one is available. If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic, as far to the side as safely as possible. Drivers do not expect to see pedestrians in the roadway or to come out from between parked cars or behind shrubbery. Expect that drivers will not see you and wait for them to pass.

— Follow the rules of the road at driveways and intersections. Cross with a traffic signal if there is one and even if you have the right of way, make sure traffic has stopped or passed before you step into the street. This will be easier to do if electronic devices do not distract you from picking up visual and auditory information about traffic.

And for adults planning to celebrate Halloween, authorities urged them to follow guidelines for safety that are the same as for any other celebration.

“Before the Halloween festivities begin, plan a way to get home safely at the end of the night,” the LAPD statement said. “Alcohol affects judgment, balance, and reaction time. Create a ‘buddy system’ to get each other home safely. Call a cab or your community’s Sober Ride program, take public transportation, or use (the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s) Safer Ride app to help you call a sober friend or family member to pick you up. Walking impaired can be just as dangerous as drunk driving.”