News Conference & Enforcement Operation ” Return to School Safety Tips

What:
Promote traffic safety around school(s).

When:
Monday, January 9, 2012
7:00 – 9:00 a.m. – Enforcement Operational Period
8:00 a.m. – PRESS CONFERENCE

Where:
Press Conference will be held in front of Lemay Street Elementary School
17520 Vanowen St
Van Nuys, 91406

Who:
Councilman Dennis P. Zine, City of Los Angeles, 3rd District
Chief Steven Zipperman, Chief of Police, Los Angeles School Police
Captain Ivan Minsal, Commanding Officer, Valley Traffic Division
Captain Nick Zingo, West Valley Patrol Division
Jeffery Spring, Auto Club of Southern California
Los Angeles Unified School District Principle Long Nguyen, Winnetka Elementary School
Jim Dellinger, Field Deputy for Councilmember Mitchell Englander
Sergeant Arturo Gomez, Valley Traffic Division(Coordinator)
Police Officer Leland Tang, California Highway Patrol
Valley Traffic Division, Community Traffic Services Officers

Why:
As part of the “Start of School Strategic Plan” scheduled for LAPD’s Valley Traffic Division during the 2011/2012 school year, Valley Traffic Division will be conducting a TrafficSafety &Enforcement Operation- Press Conferenceas approximately 700,000 students return to school after the holiday recess.

As the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports the lowest highway deaths since 1949, and an increase in fatalities among pedestrians, Valley Traffic Division wants to remind our parents and caregivers that we as a collective group have the responsibility for the safety of our children in and around schools   This operation will be conducted in an effort to promote traffic safety.  We want to bring awareness to motorist and parents alike of safety considerations that should be taken when travelling in the vicinity of schools; traffic laws in effect around schools; crossing guard safety; drop-off and Pick-up of children; School Valet Program; Pedestrian safety; and Bicycle Safety.

Children continue to be some of the most vulnerable users of our streets.  Even though children under 15 years of age represent only 15 percent of our population, they make up 30 percent of pedestrian injuries.  Children ages 5 to 9 are at the greatest risk of traffic-related pedestrian injury and death.  Many parents overestimate their children’s pedestrian skills. For additional information, please contact Sergeant Arturo Gomez at 805-559-9637.