The Los Angeles Unified School District is the second largest district in the nation and this week, over 600,000 students will be walking, biking or taking the bus to school.
The California Highway Patrol has a list of helpful reminders before you send your kids off to school:
• Always make sure they know their home address and phone number (or have it written down).
• Instruct them to never walk alone, to always stay where there is plenty of light, and never talk to strangers.
• If your child rides his or her bike, remind them they must follow the same rules as if they were a pedestrian, and always make sure they wear the proper safety equipment including helmets.
• All drivers should slow down and obey all speed limits in areas where you are likely to find people walking and bicycling, such as near bus stops, schools, parks and playgrounds; avoid distractions; and be prepared to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks (marked or unmarked).
At this time of year, it is important for drivers to remember the pertinent laws regarding school buses:
• Speed limits are 25 mph within 1,000 feet of a school when children are present.
• The flashing yellow lights on a school bus warn you to slow down and prepare to stop.
• When the flashing red lights are illuminated, you must stop from EITHER direction on undivided highways, until all children have safely crossed and the red lights are turned off. A violation of this law can result in a $1,000 fine and your driver license may be suspended for up to one year.
The California Highway Patrol strives to provide the utmost protection to the most precious individuals in your life, your children. These tips will help you to exercise great care and extreme caution when traveling within school zones. Slow down, be aware, and drive safe.