Keep Our Students Safe!
School Traffic Safety Points 

Now that school is back in session, it is time to review points which help to ensure our children’s safety.  I know the list is long but WE ALL need to be diligent in our effort to travel in and around the school as safe as possible. Are you following these rules all of the time?  You can’t if you don’t read and study them.  Please do your part as we all work together for our children.

 DRIVER SAFETY 

• Always be alert for children walking in the street.  There are no sidewalks on some streets near school.
• Please, please drive slowly……..remember the speed limit in and around school is 25 m.p.h. but even at that speed it can be too fast.  Did you know that it has been calculated that if you are driving just 20 m.p.h. that you will travel at least 64 feet before coming to a stop?
• Turn off your cell phone – this is not the time for chatting and please put down your coffee cup or other drink.  We all need two hands on the wheel and complete attention to the road in and around school.
• Always make sure you and your passengers are wearing seatbelts and buckled up properly until you come to a full stop and it is time for your child to exit your car. Remember children younger than six or less than 60 pounds are required to use booster seats.
• Drivers are required to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians at all intersections whether marked or unmarked.  This means stopping for pedestrians attempting to cross the street. 
• Never stop your car in the crosswalk – it is very dangerous for pedestrians, and if caught by the police it is a very large fine ($250).  California Vehicle Code 21970.  Also, never pass a vehicle stopped for pedestrians.  Again it is dangerous and against the law. California Vehicle Code 21951.
• Obey NO PARKING signs and no parking areas (marked by a red curb) as well as neighbors’ driveways.  By stopping or even worse parking in a no parking zone, you could obstruct the visibility of other drivers and pedestrians.
• Enter the drive-through from the West end of Virginia.  It is a one way drive and there is NO LEFT TURN sign eastbound on Virginia between the hours of 8 and 9 a.m. and 2 and 3 p.m.
• Turn right when exiting the parking lot on Virginia.  There is a no left turn sign at the exit.
• Please do not pass to the left of a stopped vehicle in the drive through.  Remember teachers are entering in that lane and a collision may occur.
• Do not park in the parking lot other than if you have a DMV issued handicap placard.  EVERY other spot is reserved for a teacher or a staff member.
• Have your children ready to get out when you stop in the drive-through.  Backpack, lunches and paperwork should all be in hand before you stop the car.  If your child has an instrument or a project that needs to be transported in the trunk, please find a place to park and help your child walk on to the campus.  Say your goodbyes and daily arrangements/reminders prior to coming to your final stop.
• Always pull as far forward in the drive-through to allow other cars to enter the drive-through.
• Never leave your car unattended in the drive-through line or in the line on Santa Anita.  Chances are that you will block a drop-off or pick up line.
• Please have consideration for the afternoon kindergarten parents.  Their children are younger and get out earlier than the regular dismissal time.  If you are in the drive-through line then they cannot enter to pick up their child.

PEDESTRIAN SAFETY 

• Look both ways, and listen before crossing the street.  Always use the crosswalks.
• Make eye contact with the driver before entering the crosswalk.
• Obey the crossing guard.  Wait for them to give the “OK” before entering the crosswalk.
• NEVER cut across the school parking lot.  This means parents also.
• Students should walk and not run to school.  Sudden movements or darting out into the street is dangerous.  Cars may not be able to stop.
• If possible, walk in groups.

If we all do our part, then our children will be much safer. Please consider car pooling or parking a couple of blocks away from school and walking the rest of the way.  Good exercise and an opportunity to get to know your neighbors better.

Click here for a printable copy of these safety points.