Full Notification

Nature of Incident: Back to School Safety
School year 2015-2016
Report Number:
Location: City of Thousand Oaks
Date & Time: August 20, 2015
Unit Responsible: Thousand Oaks Police Department Traffic Bureau

Narrative:
It’s that time of year; the first day of school is August 26, 2015. The Thousand Oaks Police Department would like to remind motorists, students and parents to practice basic traffic safety skills when traveling to school. The start of the new school year brings traffic congestion around the schools as well as a rise in pedestrian traffic. We suggest car-pooling or using an alternate drop off and pick up site away from the schools. This will help relieve traffic delays.

The following tips are provided to ensure the safety of the students and serve as a reminder to be vigilant while traveling in a school zone. Parents, please discuss traffic safety with your children whether they are walking, riding a bicycle or being driven to school.

Pedestrians:
When crossing the street, continue to scan both directions for approaching cars.
Pay attention to all traffic signals and crossing guards.
Use marked crosswalks and cross at controlled intersections when possible.
Wear reflective clothing or bright colors so drivers can see you.
Plan a safe walking route to and from the school or bus stop.
When waiting for the school bus, stay out of the street and avoid horseplay.

Bicyclists:
If riding a bike, ALWAYS wear a helmet. They are required on all bicycle riders
under the age of 18. It’s the law.
Ride on the right side, in the same direction as traffic.
Walk your bike when crossing the street.
Know bicycle laws.

Drivers:
Be watchful around schools and bus stops for children in the street. Do not double park.
Pay attention to crossing guards.
Watch your speed in school and residential zones (25MPH). Leave early and give yourselves ample time to arrive at your destination.
Reduce any distractions inside your car so you can concentrate on the road.
Do not text or use your cell phone while driving.
Enter and exit driveways slowly and carefully, be observant in all directions.
Impeding the flow of traffic to wait to enter a school parking lot could result in a citation.
Do not allow your child to exit the vehicle into traffic lanes; safely drop them off at curbside.

By adhering to the traffic related tips provided, the number of collisions in an around school zones can be reduced. Please drive safely.

The Thousand Oaks Police Department is committed to traffic safety through education and enforcement. From the first day of school and the upcoming weeks ahead, there will be extra uniformed officers by our schools addressing the rules of the road, with emphasis added to distracted drivers and seat-belt violations, as well as pedestrian laws.

Prepared by: Sgt. B. Payton
Media Release Date: August 20, 2015
Media Follow-Up Contact: Sgt. B. Payton
TO Traffic Bureau
805-494-8271
[email protected]
Approved by: Captain Mike Hartmann