The Long Beach Police Department is reminding the public that school began this week and the volume of pedestrian traffic around schools has increased significantly. In an effort to prevent avoidable accidents, the following traffic-safety information is being provided.
Drivers should:
• Yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in marked or unmarked crosswalks
• Not overtake and pass a vehicle that’s ahead when it has stopped  for a pedestrian
• Yield the right-of-way to pedestrians on sidewalks
• Obey the posted speed limit
• Not drive while distracted— examples include using a cell phone (which is illegal), reading, eating, drinking or applying make-up
• Stop and remain stopped for school buses with “flashing red lights,” Â and opposing traffic must also stop unless a painted or raised divider separates the roadway
• Watch and obey crossing guards— they are there to protect children
Pedestrians should:
• Yield to vehicles on the roadway while walking outside the crosswalk
• Not cross between the intersections controlled by traffic signals (to do so would constitute jaywalking)
Parents should:
• Obey all parking signs and curb markings— they are designed to protect children and provide optimum traffic flow
• Follow school drop-off procedures and always drop children off on the curbside of the school
• Teach children to always cross the street at a crosswalk and look both ways before doing so
The Long Beach Police Department’s Traffic Section is committed to motorist and pedestrian safety, and traffic laws will be strictly enforced at and around schools.Â
More Information
(562) 570-7209
