Back to School Safety Awareness NA26042cm

WHAT:
Media availability to bring awareness to parents and commuters on back-to-school safety.

WHEN:
Thursday, August 6, 2026
5:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.

WHERE:
Valley Traffic Division
7870 Nollan Pl
Panorama City, CA 91402

WHO:
Captain Johnny Smith, LAPD, Valley Traffic Division
Officer Ryan Bronk, LAPD, Valley Traffic Division
Officer Peter Nguyen, LAPD, Valley Traffic Division
Officer Netza Ortiz, Los Angeles School Police

WHY:
On August 12, 2026, parents in the City of Los Angeles will be sending their children back to school. Approximately 520,000 students will utilize vehicles, bicycles, buses, or walking to get to their school.

Here are some key statistics based on the latest available data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) regarding school transportation-related crashes:

· In 2024, 110 people died in school transportation-related crashes.

· From 2015-2024, 1,069 people died in such crashes, with 204 being children (age 18 and younger). Of the children killed, 78 were occupants of other vehicles, 77 were pedestrians, 39 were in school vehicles, 7 were bicyclists, and 3 were other nonoccupants.

· 55% of child pedestrians killed were between 5 and 10 years old.

· Significantly more school-aged children were 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 raise awareness among the motoring public and parents dropping off their children at school.

NHTSA emphasizes several key safety areas as students head back to school for the 2026-2027 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.

– 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.

– 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 under 13 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-right-left 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 2026 by promoting responsible behavior from drivers, parents, and students alike.

CONTACT:
For more information, please contact Sergeant Eric Swihart, Valley Traffic Division at (818) 644-8146.