Halloween Traffic Safety Awareness NA25090rc

WHAT:
Media Availability to bring Halloween traffic safety awareness to parents and drivers.

WHEN:
Friday October 31, 2025
5:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.

WHERE:
Valley Traffic Division
7870 Nolan Pl
Panorama City CA 91402

WHO:
Captain II Gerry Davila, Commanding Officer, Valley Traffic Division
Police Officer II Peter Nguyen, Valley Traffic Division
Police Officer II Ryan Bronk, Valley Traffic Division
Police Officer II Oscar Gallo, Valley Traffic Division

WHY:
On Friday October 31, 2025, numerous families will be celebrating Halloween in the city of Los Angeles. Approximately 2 million children reside in the County of Los Angeles, many of whom will be participating in “trick or treating” and other Halloween festivities.

As indicated by research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) that sifted through 42 years of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Pedestrian related traffic collisions increase significantly on Halloween each year.

Here are some key statistics based on the available information in regard to Halloween related crashes:
· Pedestrian fatalities are 43% higher on Halloween.
· Children between the ages of 4 and 8 are 10 times more likely to be hit by a vehicle.
· 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.

In an effort to protect the children and families of Los Angeles, the LAPD, Valley Traffic Division will conduct Media Availability to bring pedestrian awareness to the motoring public and families participating in Halloween festivities.

NHTSA and Safe Kids Worldwide emphasize several key safety areas as families go out for Halloween this year. These talking points are crucial for drivers, parents, and pedestrians to promote a safe environment:

Walk Safely
• 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.
• Always walk on sidewalks or paths. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible. Children should walk on direct routes with the fewest street crossings.
• Watch for cars that are turning or backing up. Teach children to never dart out into the street or cross between parked cars.

Trick or Treat With an Adult
• Children under the age of 12 should not be alone at night without adult supervision. If kids are mature enough to be out without supervision, remind them to stick to familiar areas that are well lit and trick-or treat in groups.

Keep Costumes Both Creative and Safe
• Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers and, if possible, choose light colors.
• Choose face paint and makeup whenever possible instead of masks, which can obstruct a child’s vision.
• Have kids carry glow sticks or flashlights to help them see and be seen by drivers.
• When selecting a costume, make sure it is the right size to prevent trips and falls.

Drive Extra Safely on Halloween
• Slow down and be especially alert in residential neighborhoods. Children are excited on Halloween and may movein unpredictable ways.
• Take extra time to look for kids at intersections, on medians and on curbs.
• Enter and exit driveways and alleys slowly and carefully.
• Eliminate any distractions inside your car so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings.
• Drive slowly, anticipate heavy pedestrian traffic and turn your headlights on earlier in the day to spot children from greater distances.
• Popular trick-or-treating hours are 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. so be especially alert for kids during those hours.

These talking points are designed to help ensure safe practices by promoting responsible behavior from drivers, parents, and pedestrians alike.

CONTACT:
For more information, please contact Sergeant Eric Swihart, Valley Traffic Division 818-644-8146.