Full Notification

Traffic safety at our schools is a priority for the Compton Sheriff’s Station. Deputy personnel often patrol schools as a visible deterrent to prevent incidents from occurring and to enforce traffic laws. Tragically each year, many children are injured due to accidents in and around bus stops, school zones, crosswalks and school buses. Compton Sheriff’s Station would like to ask for your assistance in taking a proactive role in ensuring the safety of school age children by following a few simple rules. Parents and motorist can assist us in creating a safe environment around our schools for students, faculty, and parents.

Vehicle Safety
Parents and other adults can do much to improve traffic safety around schools by driving cautiously, teaching children safe practices, and limiting vehicle trips. In some cases, parents and other drivers may be the cause of safety concerns. Drivers should obey all traffic laws and apply the following practices.
• Carpooling can reduce the number of vehicles near the school, especially during poor weather.
• Slow down around the school. Speed limit in school zones is 25 mph.
• Avoid parking on the opposite side of the street from the school. Park your vehicle away from the school and escort your child to the school gate.
• Stay alert; do not operate cell phones or allow other things to distract you.
• Make sure children are careful in opening the vehicle doors and that they exit and enter on the curbside of the vehicle. Children should not be allowed to cross the street in the middle of the block to reach the vehicle.
• Drivers should not double park or block traffic. Waiting or parking in red zones is also not allowed. Obey all traffic laws.
• Do not block buses or use areas designated for buses only. If an emergency vehicle requires access, the area should be cleared.
• Parking in red zones is prohibited.
• Never leave a vehicle unattended.

Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety
Pedestrian and bicyclists should obey the same traffic safety practices that normally apply.
• Always look in all directions before entering a street, and never run into a street.
• Avoid crossing streets at mid-block, especially when parked vehicles may obstruct vision. Use Stop signs, traffic signals, and crossing guards when available.
• When crossing a street, do not assume a green light or WALK light means it is safe to cross. Look for traffic.
• A child should not follow others or run to others when they call until a safe crossing is available.
• When riding a bicycle, ride with the flow of traffic (not against it) as close to the right edge of the street as practicable, in single file.
• Walk the route to school or other frequently used locations with your child and point out safe practices. This includes locations such as where children may catch a bus.
• Teach children about traffic laws, and encourage the child to ask questions when they are unsure of what to do.

Adult Crossing Guards
Adult crossing guards are provided near schools to assist children in safely crossing streets. It is a violation of the California Vehicle Code (CVC) to disregard the signals or directions of adult crossing guards.

Guards are used primarily to provide maturity and good judgment in assisting children to cross streets near schools. Guards are not provided to direct vehicle traffic movements. Adult crossing guards are professionals trained to focus their concern toward the welfare of the children.

Children should be taught to obey the directions given to them by adult crossing guards. This includes crossing only when directed, not running or riding bicycles at crossings, and being alert for traffic.

As a reminder, students must be in school or under the direct supervision of a parent/legal guardian between 8:00a.m. - 2:30p.m.