LAPD reminds drivers to prioritize safety around schools

Published on August 05, 2024

Back to School image with a group of happy children in the background and one in the foreground holding a chalkboard sign that says Back to School

As the new school year begins, it’s crucial for the community to prioritize safety on the roads near schools and in neighborhoods. Whether driving, walking, or cycling, here are some essential tips for individuals to remember as Los Alamos heads back to school:

  1. Driving Safely Around Schools:
    • Slow Down: Be extra cautious when kids are present – especially before and after school and within the school zones. 
    • Drop-Off Procedures: Familiarize yourself with specific drop-off procedures at schools.
    • Avoid Double Parking: It blocks visibility for other children and vehicles.
    • Don’t Load/Unload Across the Street: Do it on the same side as the school.
    • Carpool: Reduce the number of vehicles around the school.
  2. Pedestrian Safety:
    • Crosswalks: Don’t block them when stopped at a red light or waiting to turn.
    • School Zones: Yield to pedestrians when flashers are blinking.  Stop for Patrol Officers and Crossing Guards.
    • Be Alert: Look out for children in school zones, playgrounds, and residential areas.
    • Teach Safe Practices: Instruct children how to use crosswalks and safely cross the street.
    • Be Aware: Avoid distractions such as headphones, cell phones, and other mobile devices when walking, biking, or driving.
  3. School Buses:
    • Maintain Distance: Follow buses at a greater distance than cars.
    • Never Pass a Stopped Bus: It’s illegal in all 50 states.  Last year the Los Alamos district had very few days where someone did not violate the red flashing lights on the buses while they were loading and unloading students.  
    • 10-Foot Danger Zone: Stop far enough back to allow safe entry/exit for children.
  4. Bicyclist Safety:
    • Share the Road: Bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as vehicles.
    • Be Cautious: Children on bikes can be hard to see.
    • Look Out for Children: They may not always follow traffic rules.

Remember, safety is everyone’s responsibility!

For more information contact the Los Alamos Police Department at 505.662.8222.

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