Receive alerts from your local agencies
...or text your ZIP CODE to 888777 for mobile alerts

Full Notification

Ventura County Sheriff's Office
Wednesday August 20th, 2025 :: 01:15 p.m. PDT

Community

Traffic Safety- School is back in session.

Nature of Incident: Traffic Safety- School is back in session.
Report Number: N/A
Location: Ojai Valley
Date & Time: 08/20/2025
Unit(s) Responsible: Ojai Patrol Station
 

 

  
     
Narrative:
Ojai Patrol Station and the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office encourages motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians to slow down and share the road around campuses.
 
With students returning to classrooms across the Ojai Valley—including Ojai, Oak View, Meiners Oaks, Mira Monte, Casitas Springs, and Upper Ojai—law enforcement is conducting traffic enforcement in school zones to reduce crashes and near-misses during busy drop-off and pick-up periods.
 
“Keeping kids safe is a community effort, we’re increasing patrols near schools and bus routes, and we’ll be focusing on speeding, illegal cell-phone use, and failure to yield to pedestrians.” said Sergeant Dike, Ojai Assistant Chief of Police (Ventura County Sheriff’s Office).
 
Please build extra time into your morning, use designated loading zones, and model safe behavior for our students—whether you’re driving, biking, or walking.
 
 
What to Expect
 
 
  • High-visibility enforcement near schools throughout the school year, especially before and after the bell.
  • Education & outreach through schools and community partners.
 
 
 
 
 
Safety Tips
 
 
 
For Motorists
 
 
  • Slow down: Drive 25 mph or the posted school-zone speed and be ready to stop when children are present.
  • Put the phone away: Handheld cell-phone use and texting while driving are illegal.
  • Yield to pedestrians and crossing guards: Stop well before crosswalks; never block them.
  • Watch for buses: Stop for school buses with flashing red lights (from either direction unless the roadway is divided by a physical median).
  • Use designated drop-off/pick-up areas: No double-parking or stopping in red zones; avoid U-turns near schools.
  • Look for bicyclists: Check mirrors and blind spots; give bikes at least 3 feet when passing.
  • Seat kids right: Follow California child-passenger safety laws (proper car seat/booster; back seat for children under 8).
 
 
 
For Bicyclists (Students & Adults)
 
 
  • Helmet on: Helmets are required for riders under 18.
  • Ride with traffic: Use bike lanes where available; obey all signs and signals.
  • Be visible: Use a white front light and rear reflector/taillight when it’s dark or dim.
  • Signal and scan: Use hand signals, make eye contact with drivers, and watch for turning vehicles.
  • Dismount in crowded areas: Walk your bike on packed sidewalks and across campus for everyone’s safety.
  • One ear free: If using earbuds, keep one ear open to hear traffic and instructions.
 
 
 
For Pedestrians (Students & Families)
 
 
  • Cross smart: Use marked crosswalks and follow crossing guards; make eye contact with drivers.
  • Heads up, phones down: Avoid distractions while crossing—no texting or gaming in the crosswalk.
  • Be seen: Wear bright or reflective clothing and carry a small light in low light.
  • Teach the basics: Stop at the curb, look left-right-left, and keep younger children within arm’s reach.
 
 
 
 
 
School Bus & Curbside Tips for Parents
 
 
  • Arrive 5–10 minutes early to avoid rushing.
  • Choose a safe meeting point on the same side of the street as the school when possible.
  • Never call children across mid-block traffic.
  • Set the example: Buckle up, park legally, and use crosswalks.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Prepared by: Deputy Eric Burnett  
News Release Date: 08/20/2025  
Media Follow-Up Contact: Deputy Eric Burnett
[email protected]
 		  
Approved by:
 
 
 		 Captain Steve Jenkins – Ojai Chief of Police
 
 		  

Address/Location
Ventura County Sheriff's Office
800 S Victoria Ave
Ventura, CA 93003

Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 805-654-9511

More Messages

See more messages from Ventura, California »

Navigate & Discover