July 30, 2025
Back to School Safety Awareness
WHAT:
Media Availability to bring awareness to parents and commuters on back-to-school safety.
WHEN:
Monday August 11, 2025
5:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.
WHERE:
Valley Traffic Division
7870 Nollan Pl
Panorama City, CA 91402
WHO:
Deputy Chief Donald Graham, Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), Transit Bureau
Captain Gerry Davila, LAPD, Valley Traffic Division
Officer Peter Nguyen, LAPD, Valley Traffic Division
Sergeant Stephen Slinsky, LAPD, Valley Traffic Division
Chief Pisarzewicz, Los Angeles School Police
Deputy Chief Besunder, Los Angeles School Police
Public Information Officer (PIO) Chavez, Los Angeles School Police
WHY:
On August 11, 2025, parents in the City of Los Angeles will be sending their children back to school. Approximately 600,000 children will utilize vehicles, bicycles, buses, or walk to get to their school.
As of July 23, 2025, the latest comprehensive National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data publicly available regarding “back to school” specific traffic safety statistics largely relates to the 2022 and 2023 calendar years, with some early estimates for 2024 and projected fatality declines in the first quarter of 2025.
Here are some key statistics based on the available information regarding school transportation related crashes:
• In 2022, 104 people died in school transportation-related crashes.
• From 2013-2022, over 1,000 people died in such crashes, with 198 being children (age
18 and younger). Of the children killed, 40% were occupants of other vehicles, 38%
were pedestrians, 18% were in school vehicles, 3% were bicyclists, and 1% were using
personal devices.
• 55% of child pedestrians killed were between 5 and 10 years old.
• Significantly more school-aged children killed during school drop-off and pick-up
hours.
In an effort to protect the students of Los Angeles, the LAPD along with the Los Angeles School Police Department will conduct a Joint Media Availability to bring awareness to the motoring public and parents dropping their children off at school. NHTSA emphasizes several key safety areas as students head back to school for the 2025-2026 academic year. These talking points are crucial for drivers, parents, and students to promote a safe environment:
For drivers
– Be alert and reduce speed: School zones and neighborhoods will be bustling with children. Pay close attention to your surroundings, especially before and after school, and always obey posted speed limits, according to the National Safety Council.
– Obey school bus laws: Yellow flashing lights mean the bus is preparing to stop, so slow down and get ready to stop as well. When the red lights are flashing and the stop-arm is extended, you must stop completely until the lights stop flashing and the bus resumes motion.
– Watch for pedestrians and bicyclists: Be extra vigilant for children walking or biking, particularly near bus stops, playgrounds, and in all residential areas. Children may dart into the street unexpectedly.
– Follow school drop-off/pick-up procedures: Adhere to your school’s specific drop-off and pick-up instructions to ensure the safety of all students and reduce congestion.
For parents
– Review walking and biking safety: If your child walks or bikes to school, go over safe routes, traffic signals, and the importance of being alert and visible to drivers, says Dignity Health.
– Emphasize school bus stop safety: Teach your children to arrive early at the bus stop and to stay a safe distance (at least 10 feet or 5 giant steps) from the curb while waiting. Ensure they know to wait for the bus to come to a complete stop and the driver to signal before boarding.
– Promote safe driving habits (for teen drivers): Remind teen drivers to always wear their seatbelts, obey speed limits, put away their phones, and limit the number of passengers in the vehicle to minimize distractions.
– Proper car seat usage: Ensure children are in the right car seat or booster seat for their age and size, and that it’s installed correctly. Always ensure children 12 and under sit in the back seat.
For students
– Walk and bike safely: Use sidewalks whenever possible, and if there is not a sidewalk, walk on the edge of the street facing traffic. Use marked crosswalks and look left-rightleft before crossing the street. Always wear a helmet when biking.
– Be aware of your surroundings: Pay attention to traffic, drivers, and other pedestrians. Avoid distractions like using your phone while walking or biking.
– Follow school bus rules: Wait for the bus at a safe distance from the curb and for the driver to signal before boarding. Find a seat quickly and remain seated while the bus is in motion. These talking points are designed to help ensure a safe return to school for all students in 2025 by promoting responsible behavior from drivers, parents, and students alike.
CONTACT:
For more information, please contact Sergeant Steven Slinsky, Valley Traffic Division at (818) 644-8146.