As students return to the classrooms this week, Los Angeles residents can expect extra safety patrols around schools.
Sgt. Steve Silinsky with the LAPD Traffic Division told KNX News’ Pete Demtriou that with nearly 400,000 kids headed back to school, there are concerns about traffic problems near schools.
“It's a little chaotic the first week,” he said. “New schools, new students, and we are there to make sure that the parents and the students get there safely.”
Sgt. Silinsky encouraged drivers to rethink their driving habits.
“People need to plan their morning by getting there early and getting there 10 minutes beforehand is not enough time. You're going to hit a lot of traffic, especially on the first day in the first week of school,” he said. “I would recommend a half hour to 45 minutes earlier to beat that traffic.”
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He added that traffic fines near schools often double what would be assessed if children were not present.
“Valet zones” will be established in areas that will allow young people to be dropped off. There will also be visible patrols to encourage cars to slow down.
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