Full Notification

Schools in Hermosa Beach will be back in session starting September 5th. The Hermosa Beach Police Department reminds residents to be cautious and alert on the roadways. School children will be excited and may wonder into the street or step off the curb unexpectedly. Driving distracted can mean disaster. Slow down and remember; that call, email or text can wait.

PARENTS: IF YOU'RE DROPPING OFF
Each of our schools have very specific drop-off procedures for the school year. Make sure you know them for the safety of all kids. The following apply to all school zones:

• Don't double park; it blocks visibility for other children and vehicles.
• Don't load or unload children across the street from the school.
• Carpool to reduce the number of vehicles at the school.

SHARING THE ROAD WITH YOUNG PEDESTRIANS
A few precautions go a long way toward keeping children safe:

• Don't block the crosswalk when stopped at a red light or waiting to make a turn, forcing pedestrians to go around you; this could put them in the path of moving traffic.
• In a school zone when flashers are blinking, stop and yield to pedestrians crossing the crosswalk or intersection.
• Always stop for a crossing guard holding up a stop sign.
• Take extra care to look out for children in school zones, near playgrounds and parks, and in all residential areas.
• Don't honk or rev your engine to scare a pedestrian, even if you have the right of way.
• Never pass a vehicle stopped for pedestrians.
• Always use extreme caution to avoid striking pedestrians wherever they may be, no matter who has the right of way.  

SHARING THE ROAD WITH BICYCLISTS
On most roads, bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as vehicles, but bikes can be hard to see. Children riding bikes create special problems for drivers because usually they are not able to properly determine traffic conditions. The most common cause of collision is a driver turning left in front of a bicyclist.

• When passing a bicyclist, proceed in the same direction slowly, and leave 3 feet between your car and the cyclist.
• When turning left and a bicyclist is approaching in the opposite direction, wait for the rider to pass.
• If you're turning right and a bicyclists is approaching from behind on the right, let the rider go through the intersection first, and always use your turn signals.
• Watch for bike riders turning in front of you without looking or signaling; children especially have a tendency to do this.
• Be extra vigilant in school zones and residential neighborhoods.
• Watch for bikes coming from driveways or behind parked cars.
• Check side mirrors before opening your door.

PARENTS: Remind your children to be safe and be seen. Helmets must be worn when riding anything on wheels; bicycles, scooters, skateboards, etc. Dual headphones or ear buds are prohibited for anyone riding a bicycle--one ear must always be exposed so that the rider can hear and be more aware of their surroundings. IT'S THE LAW.

Plan ahead and remember to leave a little earlier for work beginning September 5th. By exercising a little extra care and caution, drivers and pedestrians can co-exist safely in school zones.

Please remember to report any suspicious activity or safety concerns you may have in your neighborhood directly to the Police Department by calling the non-emergency dispatch line at 310-524-2750, or the main lobby at 310-318-0360.
 
Source: https://www.nsc.org/home-safety/seasonal-safety/back-to-school/drivers