Traffic Safety Awareness Near Schools NA09229cj

What:
Press Conference on traffic safety for school children

When:
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
7:30 a.m.

Where:
Ranchito Elementary School
7940 Ranchito Avenue
Panorama City, CA 91402  

Who:
City Controller, Wendy Greuel
City Councilmember District 7, Richard Alarcon
Los Angeles Police Department, Deputy Chief Michel R. Moore
Los Angeles School Police Chief, Larry Manion
Los Angeles Police Department, Captain Phillip S. Trotter
Los Angeles Police Department Detective William F. Bustos
 
Why:
One-half million Los Angeles Unified School District students are returning to approximately 744 schools on September 9, 2009.  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 simultaneously be arriving to their first day of school during the press conference.

For further information contact Media Relations Section at 213-485-3586.