Local police offer Halloween safety tips for trick-or-treaters

Safety is top of mind for Cathedral City resident David Redhawk-DaSilva. As his spooktacular display of decorations outside and inside his home has grown over the years, so has the number of trick-or-treaters that come by. 

“We’re always telling them watch your candies. Check your candies. Check everything. Watch the streets because some of the street is pretty dark," said Redhawk-DaSilva.

Redhawk-DaSilva's advice echoes that of local police departments across the Coachella Valley, which issued reminders to residents about safety tips to keep in mind this Halloween season.

The Desert Hot Springs Police Department urged drivers to watch their speed and follow traffic laws as trick-or-treaters are out and about. “Driving under the influence can turn a spooktacular night into a real-life nightmare,” said Police Chief Jim Henson.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), adults between the ages of 21 and 34 had the highest percentage (55%) of fatalities in drunk-driving crashes on Halloween night in 2021.

Officers with the Indio Police Department went around to events leading up to Halloween to ensure that families had access to useful information to help them enjoy the holiday while ensuring the safety of everyone.

"It's always good to avoid dark areas if you're going to be out treating and parents should alway inspect their children's candy," according to Public Information Officer Ben Guitron with the Indio Police Department.

The Desert Hot Springs Police Department has offered the following tips for families to be as safe as possible and share the road safely:

• Drivers should slow down and watch out for more foot traffic in residential neighborhoods.
• Take extra time looking for trick-or-treaters at intersections and entering/exiting driveways.
• Never drive distracted or impaired.
• If you are heading to a local bar, restaurant or house party and plan to drink, bring the designated sober driver with you, use public transit or a ride-hailing service, or stay the night.
• Parents and trick-or-treaters
• Make sure costumes fit to prevent trips and falls.
• Decorate costumes and bags/buckets with reflective tape.
• Have kids use flashlights or glow sticks to make it easier for drivers to see them.
• Walk on sidewalks, when available. Avoid darting into the street or crossing between parked cars.
• Stick to familiar, well-lit routes.
• Look both ways before crossing the street.
• Make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of them.