With school back in session, the Goleta Traffic Unit wants to remind drivers to pay extra attention to the roadway due to an increase in traffic.  We want all our children to have a safe return to school.  In order to promote awareness for back-to-school traffic safety, officers from the Goleta City Traffic Unit will be stepping up their patrols at all Goleta schools with emphasis on safety for children returning to the new school year.

Parents need to discuss bus, pedestrian and bicycle safety with their children and prepare them for a safe school year.  Parents dropping off their children are reminded to obey all traffic laws.  They need to be vigilant and utilize patience when near a school.

By Walking — Crossing the Street

• Walk to school with a group of kids and always have a responsible adult walk with you. Always walk on the sidewalk if one is available.　
• If no sidewalk is available, walk facing the traffic.
• The safest place to cross is at a street corner or intersection.
• If you are 10 years old or younger, you need to cross the street with an adult. You should not cross by yourself. Ask an adult to explain to you who can help you cross the street.
• Before you step off the curb to cross the street, stop and look left, look right, and look left again to see if cars are coming.
• When no cars are coming, it is safe for you and an adult to cross. But look left-right-left as you do it, and hold the adult’s hand.
• Always walk when crossing the street.　 Never run across the street to catch a ball or chase a toy, a friend, or a pet.
• Darting out in front of a parked car is dangerous. The driver of the car coming down the street can’t see you.
• Cross at corners and use crosswalks whenever possible; always stay within the lines of the crosswalk.
• Never go for a walk with a stranger.  Only walk with someone who your parents say is okay.

Be a Responsible Parent and practice the following good driver tips:

• Allow Extra Time: Do not arrive late or at the last minute.  Prepare the night before and leave your house early so you do  not need to rush.
• Reduce Speed:　 The maximum speed near a school is 25 miles per hour.  However, slower speeds are recommended when children are present.  Some school areas in Goleta have a maximum speed of 15 mph please obey all speed laws for Speed is the number one cause of collisions around schools.
• Obey Stop Signs: Make a complete stop.  Be vigilant. Look for children stepping off the sidewalk.
• No Double Parking:　 Double parking impedes traffic flow. Never let a child exit a double parked vehicle.
• Avoid U-Turns: U-turns near the school cause congestion.　Do so only at an intersection if permitted.

•　Do Not Park in a Red Zone: The curb is red due to safety reasons.  Parking in the red often obstructs the view of other drivers which could result in a collision with a child or other vehicle.

These tips provided by Sergeant Henebry of the Goleta Police Department’s Traffic Unit.