Santa Monica
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1900 Pico Boulevard
Santa Monica, CA 90405
(310) 434-4000

By Lookout Staff

October 28, 2021 -- Ghouls and skeletons haunting Santa Monica's sreets on Halloween and Dia de los Muertos still need to obey the same safety rules as mere mortals, police cautioned Thursday.

"As we approach Halloween, Sunday October 31st and Dia de los Muertos on Monday November 1st, it is important to remember that along with candy, costumes and a good scare, safety should remain at the top of the list," said Lt. Rudy Flores.

Police ask residents to follow a series of safety tips to make te holidays fun and safe.

The youngest children should always be supervised by by an adult, while older children out alone should stay in a group and watch out for each other, Flores said.

All children should avoid alleys and shortcuts and follow parent-approved routes.

A City sponsored event such as the Police Activities League (PAL) Trunk or Treat -- which takes place Sunday from 4 to 6 p.m. at Memorial Park -- offers a family safe option, Flores said.

Whether you're a newly risen zombie or a Mexican skeleton fresh from the grave, decorate your costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers and, "if possible, choose light colors."

Kids should carry glow sticks or flashlights to help them see and be seen by drivers.

They also should always follow these safety rules:

• Cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks.
  
  
• Look left, right and left again when crossing and keep looking as you cross.
  
  
• Put electronic devices down and keep heads up and walk, don’t run, across the street.
  
  
• Teach children to make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of them.
  
  
• Watch for cars that are turning or backing up. Teach children to never dart out into the street or cross between parked cars.

Drivers should also be extra careful by slowing down and staying especially alert in residential neighborhoods.

"Children are excited on Halloween and may move in unpredictable ways," Flores said.

Drivers should also take extra time to look for kids at intersections, on medians and on curbs, and they should enter and exit driveways and alleys slowly and carefully.

In addition, they should "eliminate any distractions" inside their vehicle and drive slowly, paying attention to their surroundings.

It is a good idea to turn on headlights earlier than usual "to spot children from greater distances," Flores said.