APPLE VALLEY DISTRICT POLICE DEPARTMENT

“Protecting Our Future ” 12555 Navajo Road, Apple Valley, CA 92308 760-961-0672 ORI: 36A100

CESAR MOLINA Police

Chief of

August 23, 2016 To All Drivers: Another school year has started and the Apple Valley Unified School Police Department would like to remind and encourage all motorists to practice safe driving habits, especially near school zones and bus stops. Our children are our most precious asset and we each play a vital role in ensuring their safety. We implore you drive with caution and to consider the thousands of students who travel to and from school each day. Safety is our primary concern. The AVUSD Police Department patrols school zones, school bus stops and areas where children may be present, to enforce the California Vehicle Code and to support the safety of our students. We would also like to remind you of practices that can help keep both you and your student safe: Safety Tips for Drivers • Reduce your speed. Please slow down in areas where children are present and obey all “Speed Limit” and “School Zone” signs. We understand that mornings can be hectic and we encourage you to give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination. • Be alert. Watch for bus stops and students walking to and from school. When a school bus is stopped, you can presume that children are in the area. When red lights are flashing on a bus, motorists are required by law to stop. Make mental notes of commonly travelled routes and exercise additional caution in these areas, even if there are no “School Zone” signs posted. • Buckle Up: Be sure to wear a seatbelt, and ensure that all passengers do the same. Children should be properly secured with the appropriate restraints. According to California law, children under the age of 8 must be secured in a car seat or booster seat, in the back seat. Children who are 8 years of age or have reached 4’9’’ in height must be secured by a safety belt in the back seat. • Follow the drop-off/pick-up procedures: Schools generally have designated areas for parents to drop off and pick up their children. Please familiarize yourself with these areas and follow procedures. The procedures were designed to keep children safe and to provide the safest and smoothest traffic pattern as possible. For the safety of all, do not double park or stop in the roadway to let your children out of the car. • Use caution at crosswalks: Remember to yield to children/parents in crosswalks. When a pedestrian is in a crosswalk, they have the right-of-way. Do not block or inch into a crosswalk when pedestrians are crossing. • Park only in designated areas: Please do not leave your car parked in areas where “No Parking” or “No Stopping” signs are posted. Those signs were posted to ensure the safety of all. • Talk to your children: Help your children stay safe by talking to them about important safety rules. Teach them safe practices of walking, bicycling, skateboarding or riding as a passenger in a car, school bus or public transportation. Remind your teen drivers the importance of exercising caution in and

around school zones. Be a good role model, especially when you are with your kids. Always wear a seatbelt in the car, always wear a helmet when biking, and always follow pedestrian safety rules. Tips for Students • Always wear a seatbelt when riding in a car. • Always wear a helmet and follow traffic safety rules when riding your bike. • If you ride a school bus, watch for cars while waiting at the bus stop. Be safe when getting on and off the bus and when riding the bus. • If you walk to school, always cross at crosswalks and obey all traffic signs, traffic lights and safety patrol instructions. Even if you have the right of way, it does not always mean that it is safe to enter the roadway. • Be a good role model for your younger siblings and friends. Together, we can help keep our children safe. The Apple Valley Unified School District Police Department is looking forward to another great school year. Remember: Slow Down. Stay Alert!

Cesar Molina Cesar Molina, Chief of Police

Apple Valley District Police Department 12555 Navajo Rd. Apple Valley, Ca 92308 PH: 760-961-0672