School starts up next week - plan now for heavier commute
GUIDELINES FOR BACK-TO-SCHOOL SAFETY
The new school year is nearly upon us, and the Pleasanton Police Department Traffic Bureau would like to take this opportunity to revisit some traffic safety tips from getting kids to school safely.
Whether you are a parent taking your children to school or an everyday commuter, the roadway changes when summer ends and school begins! The days of summer have gone and there are more cars, bicyclists and pedestrians on our streets and roadways. This means you must adjust your schedules and driving patterns to accommodate for the increased vehicular, bicycle and pedestrian traffic. Drivers of all ages should consider the following tips to make this seemingly nightmarish experience tolerable for everyone.
1. Give yourself plenty of time in the morning. As traffic volumes and congestion on our roadways increase, so does the length of time it takes to travel around town. Leaving earlier reduces stress, increases your awareness, improves your driving and helps you get there safely.
2. Obey the posted speed and directional signs. This includes marked curbs in school zones and signs that indicate parking for buses only. One poorly placed, unattended vehicle can lead to tremendous disruptions in school parking lots. Please remember that everyone shares the same goal: Everyone wants to get their child to school on time and in a safe manner.
3. Be patient! The time spent in a school parking lot or at a traffic signal is not forever! We need to slow down and remember to be good role models for our children. Impatience leads to aggressive driving, rude or unwarranted behavior, pedestrian collisions and gridlocks.
4. Have your kids ready when you get to the school curb. How many times have you been behind the person that sits and chats with the children as the child gets their jacket and backpack ready before they exit the car? This causes backups and delays for everyone. When you get to the curb, please try to make this transition as quickly and safely as possible. Additionally, have a designated plan for picking up the kids in the afternoon. Select a time and place for the kids to be waiting and ready. Make sure they always cross the street in a designated crosswalk and always make eye contact with drivers before crossing.
5. Explore your carpool, ride-sharing and walking alternatives. There are simply far too many parents driving only one child to school. We need to explore carpooling, busing, walking and riding bicycles to get the kids there safely. The City of Pleasanton and the Pleasanton Unified School District have worked long and hard to come up with a variety of traffic calming solutions. Get involved with your school traffic safety committee to assist with the traffic-calming program at your school.
6. Look for and obey the school crossing guards. Crossing guards will be present near the surrounding streets of each elementary school. Be aware of their needs and slow down as you approach them. Be prepared to stop and follow their directions so our children can get to school safely.
7. Children riding bicycles should always wear their bike helmet and obey all traffic laws.
The Pleasanton Police Traffic Bureau and patrol officers will be increasing their efforts at all schools in Pleasanton for the next several weeks. Please do your part by following the rules of the road.
Address/Location
Pleasanton Police Department
4833 Bernal Ave
Pleasanton, CA 94566
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 925-931-5100