Traffic Safety Awareness Near Schools

WHAT:
News Conference on traffic safety for school children

WHEN:
Monday, September 13, 2010
7:30 a.m.

WHERE:
Riverside Drive Elementary School
13061 Riverside  Drive
Sherman Oaks, CA  91423

WHO:
City Councilmember Paul Krekorian, 2nd Council District
Los Angeles Unified School District, District 3 Boardmember, Ms. Tamar Galatzan
Los Angeles Police Department, Deputy Chief Kirk Albanese
Los Angeles School Police, Chief Michael Bowman
Los Angeles Police Department, Captain William D. Sutton
Los Angeles Police Department, Detective William F. Bustos

WHY:
More than one-half million (501,700) Los Angeles Unified School District students are returning to approximately 670 schools on September 13, 2010.  In an effort to prevent injuries and save lives, the LAPD, along with city officials are joining forces to bring awareness to motorists that school is back in session and the need to pay closer attention to traffic laws near schools.

Regrettably, each year in the San Fernando Valley, many children and adults suffer serious injuries while dropping off or picking up children.

Children are some of the most vulnerable users of our streets. Even though children under 15 years of age represent only 15 percent of the population, they make up 30 percent of pedestrian injuries nationwide.  Children ages 5 to 9 years of age, are at the greatest risk of traffic-related pedestrian injury and death.  Many parents   overestimate their children’s pedestrian skills.

Students will be arriving for their first day of school during the news conference.

CONTACT:
For additional information and Spanish Media, please contact VTD Detective Bustos at 818-644-8021.