Published: 10-30-2025 | Category: Statewide
Baton Rouge – As communities across Louisiana prepare for Halloween, Louisiana State Troopers remind everyone to make safety part of their holiday celebration. With neighborhoods soon filled with costumed children and excited trick-or-treaters, Troopers urge parents, guardians, and motorists to stay alert and help ensure the evening remains fun and tragedy-free.
To promote a safe and enjoyable Halloween, the Louisiana State Police offer the following safety reminders:
• Be visible. Carry a flashlight or glow stick and consider adding reflective tape or clothing to costumes to help drivers spot children after dark.
• Choose safe costumes. Avoid masks that limit vision or breathing—face paint is a safer alternative. Make sure costumes are short enough to prevent tripping.
• Stay together. Young children should always be accompanied by a trusted adult and should never enter a home or vehicle without that adult’s permission.
• Plan ahead. Choose familiar neighborhoods with good lighting and sidewalks whenever possible. If sidewalks aren’t available, walk facing traffic on the left side of the road.
• Teach preparedness. Children should know their home address, a parent’s phone number, and how to dial 911. For younger children, consider placing this information on their costume in case they get separated.
• Inspect treats. Parents are urged to carefully check all candy and goodies before allowing children to eat them.
Motorists: Drive with Extra Caution
Drivers should expect increased pedestrian traffic on Halloween night and exercise extreme care in neighborhoods and intersections. Slow down, avoid distractions, and keep headlights on—even during twilight hours—to improve visibility for both drivers and pedestrians. Trick-or-treaters may dart into the street unexpectedly, and some costumes or masks can limit a child’s vision.
Sex Offender Restrictions
Under Louisiana law, registered sex offenders are prohibited from participating in Halloween trick-or-treat activities. Parents can verify information about offenders in their area by visiting the Louisiana Sex Offender and Child Predator Registry at https://lsp.org/community-outreach/sex-offender-registry/. Anyone who observes a sex offender attending Halloween events or distributing candy to children should contact local law enforcement immediately.
Celebrate Responsibly
Halloween celebrations often include parties and social gatherings. Troopers remind adults that driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can turn a fun evening into a tragedy. Plan ahead by designating a sober driver, using a ride-share service, or calling a taxi. Sober friends are also encouraged to help keep impaired individuals from getting behind the wheel.
Together, through awareness and responsibility, Louisiana families can make this Halloween both safe and memorable.
Contact Information:
Trooper Eddie Thomas
Louisiana State Police
Public Affairs Section – Troop G
Office: (318) 741-7411
[email protected]