Thursday, October 1, 2026
The Long Beach Police Department is urging parents to teach their children simple safety tips before they head out to “trick or treat” this Halloween.
“On Halloween evening, we are placing our children in probably some of the most dangerous traffic situations you could imagine,” said Police Commissioner Thomas R. Sofield, Sr. “Our children are outside after dark, they walk along and cross unfamiliar streets and the often wear dark colors which are difficult for motorists to see.” Halloween is a time to be extra vigilant, Sofield said, adding that children are four times more likely to be hit by a motor vehicle on Halloween.
Sofield offered these safety tips:
-Trick or treat while it’s still light outside.
-Use retro-reflective tape on your costume, and wear light colors so it’s easier for motorists to see you. Carry a flashlight or glow stick for extra visibility.
-Wear makeup instead of a mask so your vision is not obstructed.
-Have a parent or older sibling go with you. If that is not possible, travel in a group. Never go alone!
-Tell your family which streets you’ll be trick-or-treating and set a specific time for your return.
-Cross only at corners, never mid-block or between parked cars. If there’s no sidewalk, walk facing traffic.
-Wait until your parents inspect treats at home before eating any candy.
-Do not cut through back alleys or yards.
-Never go into the home of a stranger or get into their car.
-Clear your yard and sidewalk of obstacles or decorations that are difficult to see in the dark.
-Discuss with your children the difference between tricks and vandalism.
LBPD says 'buckle up'
Long Beach Police Commissioner Thomas R. Sofield, Sr. announced that the department would be participating in the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s seatbelt enforcement campaign. The campaign is a national effort to persuade motorists to buckle up during the upcoming holiday season.
This year, an emphasis will be on convincing more motorists to “buckle up” and there will be an extra emphasis on seat belt enforcement during November. The campaign will mobilize a task force that will utilize a zero-tolerance approach to all motorists who are violating the seatbelt laws.
“According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, when seatbelt use is higher, motor vehicle fatalities are lower,” Sofield said. “That is a trend we like to see. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration survey shows that jurisdictions with strict enforcement of seat belt laws continue to exhibit higher use rates than those with weaker enforcement."
