Enforcement
Working together with local law enforcement is one way to enforce traffic safety laws around schools and in communities. An increase in the visibility of law enforcement during pick-up and drop-off times has been shown to decrease traffic safety violations around schools and increase the care drivers take. If law enforcement resources are limited, utilizing these partnerships during events such as Walk to School Days can still have an impact on driver behavior. Safety skills are taught at home first and foremost and can be reinforced through schools, in the neighborhood, and at community-wide events. Also, law enforcement may be able to give children and adults trainings on safe walking practices.
Combining law enforcement with encouragement activities is also effective.
- Know how kids see the traffic world! Check out the Watch Out! Kids About! flier
(PDF) that lists traffic laws applicable to school zones that motorists should be aware of, as well as tips on how to teach traffic safety to kids and how to see the traffic world through their eyes.
- While law enforcement is on patrol, they could also be on the lookout for children who are using crosswalks or wearing a helmet while riding a bicycle, scooter, or skateboard. Once these safety-savvy kids are noticed, officers reward good behavior by giving out a free movie ticket or goodie from a local business. Work with community businesses and organizations to organize donations. The Fortuna Police Department implements this program to great success.
- McGruff the Crime Dog offers great tips on how both children and adults can deal with stranger danger, and also several lesson plans and worksheets that can be used at home or in the classroom. From the National Center for Crime Prevention.
- See the California Bicycle Laws and Safety website for a listing of California Vehicle Code sections applicable to bicycles.
- See the California Vehicle Code for sections applicable to motor vehicles and school zones.
High School aged motorists can be involved in mobility education courses and teen driver safety programs.