Weekly Tip - In Town for the Rose Bowl or Rose Parade?

Visitors in town for the parade or big game?  Have a friend staying at one of our local hotels?  Nixle is a great resource for those living in town or visitors to the area. The two major agencies responsible for Tournament of Roses activity both have Nixle accounts and share valuable safety information with the public. The Pasadena Police Department and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, along with other local police agencies like Arcadia, Burbank, and South Pasadena, all use the Nixle platform for instant messaging.

We would like to encourage everyone, including those visiting the area, to take advantage of these services and subscribe to local public safety before the need arises.

A simple method to subscribe for Nixle alerts regarding the Parade or Rose Bowl is to text "ROSEPARADE" to 888777. For those in Arcadia, text either 91006 or 91007 to 888777 and you will be included in any emergency alerts sent by APD.  Check with your host or concierge for the local zip code for your area hotel in neighboring cities to be included in other area alerts.

You can also download our smart phone app for links to other information and services from the Arcadia Police Department.

Merry Christmas 2018!

Merry Christmas to All! From Our House to Yours!

Holiday Hours for APD Records Section and Front Counter

The Arcadia Police Department Records Section will close at 6:00 p.m. on both Christmas Eve and New Years Eve, remaining closed on Christmas Day. The front counter will be open from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on New Years Day. 

The Records Section will reopen at 6:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 26, 2018, and again on Wednesday, January 2, 2019, following the respective holidays.

Weekly Activity Highlights for December 9 - 15, 2018

https://www.arcadiaca.gov/home/showdocument?id=18307

Weekly Tip - Last Minute Shopping? Here are Tips to Stay Safe!

Our personal safety is something that we should always be considering, especially when out in public. The shopping season is in full swing and our shopping centers will be packed these last days before Christmas Here are some tips and thoughts on steps you can take to help maintain your personal safety:

•Awareness & Avoidance - Not enough can be said for being aware of your surroundings. It does not matter where you are, at home, out shopping, driving, at the park, DO NOT settle into a fog and become so involved in your task that you fail to look around. Scan the area before you head out. Look around and see what potential threats may be looming. Are there suspicious persons parked by your car? Is there a car approaching slowly from behind? If you see something that makes you suspicious or uncomfortable, walk away, return to the store, and report the activity and your observations to security or store staff.

•Be a Good Witness - If you see a crime or fall victim, be the best witness you can be. Without good suspect descriptions, it is difficult for police to conduct follow-up, apprehend criminals, and hopefully, help prevent others from becoming future victims. Basic physical descriptions such as hair color and style, height, weight and build, clothing color and type, suspect vehicle description and license plate, direction of travel, are all things that a responding police officer will ask for. Try and make note of anything specific to the suspect such as tattoos, scars, piercings or perhaps damage in a particular location on a suspect vehicle.

•Consider the Stakes - If this is a property crime and you are in fear for your safety, give up the purse, the wallet, the car. Your personal well-being is much more valuable than your property. Property can be replaced, you can't. 

•Make a Scene! - Drawing attention to yourself, and more importantly, to the suspect, cannot only deter the crime but also bring forward other witnesses and possibly help. Yell, scream, use a whistle, run away...

•Don't be a Target - Walk with a purpose and look about surveying your surroundings. Carry your keys and whistle in your hand, not buried in your purse. This allows you to immediately open your vehicle or set off your car alarm if needed. Keep your purse tucked under your shoulder, not dangling down or sitting unattended in a cart.

Query the topic of personal safety online. There are many quality sites that offer additional advice and products that can bolster your safety. Best overall advice...Awareness and Avoidance!

Chief's Annual Christmas Breakfast 2018

Chief Bob Guthrie carried out a long-standing Arcadia Police Department tradition last Thursday, hosting the Chief's Annual Christmas Breakfast. The breakfast is a great event where current and former members of APD can gather to share memories and a meal prepared by the Chief and fellow police management staff. In addition to the APD family, all City employees and City staff are invited to attend, along with our elected officials.

We had a great turnout for the breakfast. A special thanks to Vons Corporation (Safeway) and Papa Cantella's for the generous donations of food for the event. Chief Guthrie is pictured (above) with Alan Todd, a Corporate Manager for Vons, who has been a supporter of the event for years. See the APD Facebook page for additional photos. 

Suspension of Overnight Parking Enforcement for the Holidays

Residents and visitors will not have to obtain temporary overnight parking permits for passenger vehicles parked on the City streets from Sunday night, December 16, 2018, through Sunday morning, January 6, 2019. This permit suspension affords the community the opportunity to entertain guests and visitors without worrying about purchasing permits during the holidays. Overnight parking enforcement will resume on Monday morning January 7, 2019.

This enforcement suspension pertains only to overnight parking restrictions for passenger vehicles between 2:30 am and 5:30 am. All other parking restrictions remain in effect and will be enforced, such as time zones, street sweeping, curb markings, etc.

If you have any questions, please contact the APD Watch Commander at (626)574-5156.

Weekly Activity Highlights for December 2 - 8, 2018

https://www.arcadiaca.gov/home/showdocument?id=18273

Weekly Tip - Give Your Alarm a Check Up

Do you have an alarm on your home or business? Take the time to check your system and make sure it is in proper working order. Call your alarm monitoring company before testing the alarm system. If there is an issue with the system, get it repaired. Not only will you help avoid false alarm fees, but you will better protect your property.

The City of Arcadia requires alarm permits for all alarm systems. Information on Security Alarm Permits can be found on the City website. The permits help reduce alarm malfunctions and nuisance alarms, as well as maintaining current property owner contact information should there be an issue while you are away from your home or business.

Ring Subsidies Still Available

We had a great turn out for the Ring Subsidy Event last week! Thank you to all who took part and who are helping to protect their homes. There are still discounts available to Arcadia residents and businesses. Interested persons can email or call Sr. Management Analyst Jennifer Brutus for additional information at jbrutus@ArcadiaCA.gov or 626.574.5136. Required forms and requirements can be found HERE.

Weekly Activity Highlights for November 25 - December 1, 2018

https://www.arcadiaca.gov/home/showdocument?id=18227

Weekly Tip - Help Prevent Crime by Reporting Suspicious Activity

The Arcadia Police Department serves a population of approximately 57,000+ residents, numerous business and commercial locations, all within about 11 square miles. More often than not, residents and visitors serve as the eyes and ears for our Dispatchers and Police Officers.

Having a large residential community, it is not surprising that some of our most frequent calls for service involve property theft or residential burglary. In most cases, a residential burglary begins with some type of suspicious activity within a neighborhood, often in broad daylight. This activity may range from unknown persons in vehicles perusing the area, to individuals going door to door, determining whether or not residents are home. These individuals will most likely have a driver waiting for them for a quick getaway in case someone begins to question their actions.

The best way to decrease residential burglaries is to prevent them from occurring in the first place. Give criminals the message if they are in our neighborhoods, and about to commit a crime, they are being watched – not ignored – through a joint effort by our residents and the police department. 

If you witness suspicious activity in your neighborhood or see something that doesn't sit right with you, do not simply draw the blinds and turn away; please pick up the phone and call our department’s non-emergency dispatch number at (626) 574-5123 – available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Of course, if you witness a crime in progress or have an emergency, always remember to dial 9-1-1.

Neighborhood crime prevention neither begins nor ends, with a burning porch light. As members of a greater community, we are all responsible for its protection, as safety does not simply end at a property line. Get to know your neighbors and your neighborhood, remain alert, and never hesitate to call our police department. Do not simply assume someone else has called the police - three calls received are better than no calls at all. 

Weekly Activity Highlights for November 18 - 24, 2018

https://www.arcadiaca.gov/home/showdocument?id=18185

Think Twice Before Participating in a Street Takeover or Sideshow Event

Due to recent street takeover/sideshow events happening in area San Gabriel Valley cities, local police agencies have come together to form the West San Gabriel Valley Traffic Task Force. The WSGV Traffic Task Force consists of members from the Arcadia, El Monte, Alhambra, Sierra Madre, San Marino, and the Monrovia Police Departments. Officers assigned to the Task Force will work proactively to combat street takeover and associated events in and around the West San Gabriel Valley. There will be zero-tolerance for any unlawful activity.

Over the coming days, the Task Force will be deploying resources to monitor events associated with the anniversary of the death of Paul Walker. We encourage anyone attending memorial events to participate in a lawful manner. Any unlawful activity will result in zero-tolerance enforcement. This includes enforcement in public parking lots such as shopping and business properties. 

For additional information, contact Lt. Roy Nakamura at 626.574.5156.

Appreciation Luncheon from the Arcadia Chinese Association

A big "Thank You" to members of the Arcadia Police Department came last week in the form of an early Thanksgiving lunch, provided by the Arcadia Chinese Association.  Chief Guthrie was joined by members of the ACA, APD, and ACA President Jamie Lee a photo before lunch.  ACA President Lee took a moment to express gratitude to members of the Department and say "Thank You" for our service.  Thanks to the ACA for the great lunch and for taking the time to honor members of our Department! 

Ring Subsidy Event for Arcadia Residents

The next City of Arcadia Ring Subsidy Event will be held on Wednesday, December 5th, 5:00-9:00pm, at the Arcadia Masonic Lodge. No pre-registration required, first come, first served. For more information, contact our Community Affairs Office at 626.821.2648.

Weekly Activity Highlights for November 4 - 17, 2018

November 4 - 10, 2018 (https://www.arcadiaca.gov/home/showdocument?id=18131)

November 11 - 17, 2018 (https://www.arcadiaca.gov/home/showdocument?id=18169)

Happy Thanksgiving 2018!

From all of us at the Arcadia Police Department, we would like to wish everyone a very

Happy Thanksgiving!

Weekly Tip - Lock It! Hide It! Keep It!

We can't express the practice of Lock It, Hide It, Keep It enough!

With the holidays upon us, the likelihood of folks leaving items in their vehicles increases and thieves know this. Please remember to remove items of value from your cars, roll up the windows, lock the doors, and set the alarm if you have one. Taking the opportunity and target away are great ways to help prevent the crimes from happening! Spread the word and pass this along to family and friends!

STREET CLOSURES: Arcadia Festival of Bands

On November 17, 2018, the City of Arcadia is hosting the 65th Annual Festival of Bands Parade.  Forty high school bands will compete in this prestigious event.  There will be a number of street closures associated with the event that may affect vehicular travel.  Street closures will be as follows:
 
- Baldwin Avenue between Huntington Drive and Naomi Avenue – CLOSED for vehicular traffic from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 

-Duarte Road between Golden West and El Monte Avenue – CLOSED of vehicular traffic from 8:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. 

- Campus Drive between Santa Anita Avenue and Holly Avenue – CLOSED from 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
 
Residents living south of Huntington Drive, north of Duarte Road, east of Baldwin Avenue, and west of Holly Avenue are asked to use the intersection of La Cadena Avenue and Huntington Drive as the primary entrance and exit from the area.  Other residents will be allowed into the surrounding areas with proof of residency. 

Weekly Activity Highlights for November 4 - 10, 2018

https://www.arcadiaca.gov/home/showdocument?id=18131

Weekly Tip - Help Prevent Residential Burglary During the Holidays!

Over past years, we have seen an uptick in Residential Burglary reports during the holidays. Take a look at a recent area crime map above for burglaries having occurred around the first week of the month.

The majority of Arcadia burglaries are committed during daytime hours. However, we have had some incidents occur during evening hours in recent months. While the Department places additional officers, both in plain cars and marked units in problem areas, we are not always in the right place at the right time. Please remember to be vigilant in both your observation of your neighborhood and with your own home safety and security, all hours of the day.

HERE are tips for preventing home burglary. Remember, if you See Something, Say Something!

Stay informed on criminal activity in your area through CrimeMapping.com.

Honoring Those Who Served on this Veteran's Day 2018

Please join us in honoring and saying thanks to all who have served our Nation.

Happy Veterans Day 2018!

Weekly Activity Highlights for October 28 - November 3, 2018

https://www.arcadiaca.gov/home/showdocument?id=18107

Weekly Tip - Arcadia Police Offer Online Crime Reporting

Did you know that the Arcadia Police Department offers you the ability to file many crime reports online?  This service allows you to file a crime report at any time of the day or night and frees up police resources that are then able to remain in the field.  In order to file a crime report online, the report must be non-emergent and must have occurred within the City of Arcadia.  The following is a list of the types of reports that will be accepted online:

• Annoying Phone Calls
• Theft
• Auto Burglary
• Identity Theft
• Vandalism
• Vehicle Tampering
• Lost Property

Link to the online report form HERE.  The reporting format is simple to use and prompts you through the information that you are required to submit.  If you have any questions while completing an online crime report, call the APD Records Section at (626) 574-5150.  Once the online report is submitted, it is reviewed by APD personnel who will contact you should there be a need for clarification.  Once the online report is accepted, you will receive an email notification containing an APD file number within five business days.

Time for a Change! Set Your Clocks Back One Hour Tonight!

Set your clocks back one hour tonight before you go to bed. Officially, the time change is at 2:00 a.m., Sunday, November 4, 2018.  Gain an hour of sleep and wake refreshed!

Weekly Activity Highlights for October 21 - 27, 2018

https://www.arcadiaca.gov/home/showdocument?id=18083

Weekly Tip - Halloween Traffic Safety

Tonight is Halloween night, bringing plenty of gatherings and activity to our neighborhoods. As you drive or make your way around town, please pay close attention for pedestrians and little goblins running across the street. Watch out for our kids as they trick or treat on Halloween night from house to house or while getting out of parked cars.

Arcadia, like many communities, has many homes that are decorated and offer "haunted houses" attracting crowds of kids and traffic. When visiting these locations, enjoy the experience but remember to obey traffic laws and parking regulations.

• Don't double park or drop off passengers in the roadway.
• Don't block driveways.
• Don't park in crosswalks.
• Don't park in front of fire hydrants.

Please be courteous and respectful of your neighbors. Drive carefully and be aware of all the children celebrating!

Burglary Prevention Tips

(From the San Jose Police Department)

Weekly Activity Highlights for October 14 - 20, 2018

https://www.arcadiaca.gov/home/showdocument?id=18025

Weekly Tip - Remember Your Pets During Halloween Time!

Boo! Halloween is just around the corner. Make sure to include your pets in your Halloween plans. Strangers in costumes, the repeated ringing of the doorbell and abundant sweets may pose special challenges for pet owners. 

We are here to help you and your pet prepare for this spooktacular holiday with the following tips: 

• Walk your dog before the trick-or-treaters start their visits.
• If your pet wears a costume, remove dangling pieces that may be a hazard to them. Do not force your pet to wear a costume if they look or act uncomfortable.
• Bring cats indoors before Halloween night.
• Leave your dog at home during trick-or-treating.
• Keep your pet safe in the back room during peak trick-or-treating hours or during parties.
• Store candy out of your pet's reach.
• Keep candlelit jack-o-lanterns out of reach of your curious pet.
• Make sure your pet is microchipped and has visible, up-to-date ID tags on his or her collar.
• If your pet does get lost, please visit Pasadena Humane Society or your local animal shelter daily to look for him or her. Visit pasadenahumane.org to see pictures of the animals in our care.

For more Halloween pet safety tips, visit pasadenahumane.org/halloween. 

Have a happy and safe Halloween!

(Reposted from Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA)

ROAD CLOSURE: Arcadia Downtown Halloween Festival

Downtown Arcadia will be hosting a Halloween Harvest Festival on Saturday, October 27th, 11:00 am - 5:00 PM, on First Avenue between Huntington Drive and California Street. See their link for more info.

ROAD CLOSURE:

First Avenue south of Huntington Drive to California Street will be CLOSED to all vehicle traffic on Saturday, October 27, 2018, from 4:00 am to midnight. Please use alternate routes.

Red Ribbon Week 2018

Red Ribbon Week runs October 23rd-31st, 2018. Red Ribbon Week began in remembrance of DEA Agent Enrique Camarena who was kidnapped and murdered in Mexico in 1985. Agent Camarena had been working undercover for the DEA and was key in developing information that led to the eradication of large-scale narcotics manufacturing operations in Mexico. Mexican cartel leaders sought revenge for these operations, murdering alleged informants and ultimately, Agent Camarena.

Following his death, in Agent Camarena's hometown, Calexico, CA, the public outpouring of support turned in to an organized community response in which citizens dawned red ribbons. They became a voice for prevention in order to reduce the demand for illegal drugs and the use of drugs in America. The following year the California State PTA adopted the Red Ribbon Campaign. Then, in 1988, Red Ribbon Week was recognized nationally with President Ronald Reagan and First Lady Nancy Reagan serving as the Honorary Chairs.

Today, the Red Ribbon Celebration brings millions of people together to raise awareness regarding the need for alcohol, tobacco and other drug and violence prevention, early intervention, and treatment services. It is the largest, most visible prevention awareness campaign observed annually in the United States.

Sexual Assault Suspect Arrested

(Robert A. Padilla)

Detectives from the Arcadia Police Department, assisted by members of the Pacific Southwest Regional US Marshals Fugitive Task Force, conducted a narrow search for the suspect in Temple City on October 16, 2018. The investigation culminated in the arrest of Robert Anthony Padilla, yesterday, October 17, 2018, by members of a Homeland Security Task Force in Silver City, New Mexico.  Padilla is currently being housed at the Grant County Detention Center, in New Mexico, where he will await extradition on felony sexual assault charges. His bail is $1,450,000.00. Padilla is a 26-year-old male from El Monte. The original crime occurred on September 8, 2018, in Arcadia. Padilla was identified through DNA evidence recovered during the investigation.

The case is currently under investigation. Anyone with information on this incident is encouraged to contact the Arcadia Police Department at (626) 574-5156, Case # 18-4073. If you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call "Crime Stoppers" by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477), use your smartphone by downloading the “P3 Tips” Mobile APP on Google play or the Apple App Store, or by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org.

Robert T. Guthrie, Chief of Police

By:  B. Bourgeous, Detective Bureau Sergeant

Weekly Activity Highlights for October 7 - 13, 2018

https://www.arcadiaca.gov/home/showdocument?id=17986

Weekly Tip - DROP! COVER! HOLD ON!

Are you prepared for the next big earthquake?  Tomorrow, Thursday, October 18, 2018, at 10:18 am, millions of people will join in the annual Great California ShakeOut, bringing awareness to a very real threat to California.  Preparedness and knowledge are the keys to surviving during and after a significant earthquake.

Remember, if an earthquake strikes us today - Drop!  Cover!  And, Hold On!

•DROP to the ground (before the earthquake drops you!),

•Take COVER by getting under a sturdy desk or table, and

•HOLD ON to it until the shaking stops.

Follow #LAQuake on Twitter for earthquakes occurring in the greater LA area. As focus shifts to a local area or quake name, more specific hashtags may become relevant.

Weekly Activity Highlights for September 30 - October 6, 2018

https://www.arcadiaca.gov/home/showdocument?id=17920

Weekly Tip - Wireless Emergency Alerts

Prolonged vibration notification, unusual sounds coming from your cell phone? You may be receiving a Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) from an authorized government or public safety agency, the National Weather Service, or from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

The types of alerts may include:

• Extreme weather advisories
• Other threatening emergencies in a particular area
• Amber Alerts
• Presidential Alerts during a national emergency

The WEA message will look similar to a text message and will be no longer than 90 characters. Most newer model cellular phones are WEA-capable and are set to receive the WEA message. You do have the ability to opt-out of all alerts other than Presidential Alerts. Consult your cellular phone guide for the individual opt-out procedure.

When a WEA message is sent by the authorized agency, the broadcast area is set and the recipients are based on their location within a given cell provider's coverage area. If your phone is within range of the broadcast area, you will receive the WEA message. These messages are similar to an emergency broadcast message to a given television viewing area. Most major carriers participate in this program and have done so since April 2012. WEA messages are free of charge.

The WEA message is not meant to replace emergency or instant messaging systems in use by public safety, but rather, an additional platform used to reach the community. Nixle and Alert Arcadia, along with our other platforms, will continue to be used. Use of multiple platforms allows us to reach those who may prefer or require simple text messages, phone messages, or more detailed web and email messages via computer or smartphone.

For additional information on the WEA Alerts, please visit the FEMA website: http://www.fema.gov/wireless-emergency-alerts

Congrats to Officer Sergio Machado

Officer Sergio Machado was honored last week during a ceremonial badge pinning after successfully completing his 18-month probationary period. Although an Officer is field ready and sent to a Patrol Team on their own after training, completing probation is a milestone in their career.

Officer Machado graduated from the LASD Academy Class #419 as the Honor Cadet in March 2017. Prior to coming to APD, Sergio served as a US Army Ranger from 1997 - 2008, had been promoted in the Army to Staff Sergeant, served 3 tours in Iraq, twice as a Sniper Team Leader, and was awarded both the Bronze Star and Army Commendation Medal for Valor.

Sergio is pictured with Chief Bob Guthrie and Captain Larry Goodman. Congratulations Officer Machado!

Weekly Tip - Curious About Police Activity?

Our Officers are often asked, "Why were there police cars on my street yesterday?" Did you know you can take a proactive approach to crime prevention by becoming aware of crime trends and police activity in your neighborhood? The Arcadia Police Department provides the community with daily updates detailing crimes occurring within our jurisdiction through the service CrimeMapping.com. You can access the CrimeMapping.com website at any time, or you can subscribe to daily email alerts, delivering a synopsis of activity directly to your email inbox. Community members are the first step in crime prevention and this type of information will give you the advantage in knowing what to watch for. Sign-up for daily updates HERE.

Weekly Activity Highlights for September 16 - 29, 2018

- Week of September 23 - 29, 2018

- Week of September 16 - 22, 2018

Weekly Tip - Use Our MeetUp Spot for Internet Purchase Exchanges

Buying and selling items on the Internet has become popular and easy to do with the abundance of mobile apps available today. APD recently designated an Internet Exchange "MeetUp" spot in our station parking lot. The lot has video surveillance and is adjacent to the police station in the south-west corner of the parking lot. Our staff does not specifically monitor the camera feed, but like all our feeds, it is view-able live and is recorded. Officers will not mediate or participate in exchanges but will respond if needed for criminal or suspicious activity.

Here are some tips for conducting a safe Internet exchange:

• Arrange for the exchange during daylight hours.
• Always meet in a visible, public area, preferably with recorded surveillance.
• Avoid transactions at your home and NEVER allow strangers into your home.
• Know the value of items being bought or sold. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!
• Bring a friend along.
• Tell someone else where you will be and how long you are expected to be there.
• If the person is not will to meet at the police station, the transaction probably was not meant to be!

Weekly Activity Highlights for September 9 - 15, 2018

https://www.arcadiaca.gov/home/showdocument?id=17783

Weekly Tip - Take Time to Have Your Car Seat Inspected

Is your car/booster seat properly fitted and installed? Take the time to visit an inspection location to help keep your precious cargo safe! Visit the SaferCar.gov website for safety tips and links to find a seat check station. Locally, the California Highway Patrol, Baldwin Park Station, and the Glendora Police Department, both offer child seat inspections, by appointment.

Additional resources, restraint laws, and information can be found through SafetyBeltSafe USA / CarSeat.org.

Sexual Assault Suspect Sought

On September 8, 2018, at approximately 8:42 PM, an adult female victim was sexually assaulted while walking in the 2300 block of S. Santa Anita Avenue. The suspect is described as follows:

Male Hispanic, in his mid-20’s, 5’6”, 140-150 lbs., with a shaved head, a long nose, and a distinct crossed left eye. The suspect also had what appears to be a tattoo on the left side of his neck resembling “growing plant vines.” The suspect was wearing a light colored t-shirt and dark colored shorts. The suspect rode a silver or metal color BMX style bicycle.

The victim was able to complete a composite sketch of the suspect and the Arcadia Police Department is interested in hearing from anyone who recognizes a person matching the composite sketch.

The case is currently under investigation. Anyone with information on this incident is encouraged to contact the Arcadia Police Department at (626) 574-5151, case number 18-4073. If you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call "Crime Stoppers" by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477), use your smartphone by downloading the “P3 Tips” Mobile APP on Google Play or the Apple App Store, or by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org.


Robert T. Guthrie, Chief of Police

By: B. Bourgeous, Detective Bureau Sergeant

Weekly Activity Highlights for September 2 - 8, 2018

https://www.arcadiaca.gov/home/showdocument?id=17737

Weekly Tip - Spot the Tot! ALWAYS Look Behind and Around Your Car!

Children can be injured or killed by backover incidents. Most often, these unfortunate situations are preventable. ALWAYS take the time to look behind and around your vehicle before backing, especially in familiar places like your own driveway.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration offers some tips to prevent backover incidents:

• Teach children not to play in or around cars.
• Supervise children carefully when in and around vehicles.
• Always walk around your vehicle and check the area around it before backing up.
• Be aware of small children-the smaller a child, the more likely it is you will not see them.
• Teach children to move away from a vehicle when a driver gets in it or if the car is started.
• Have children in the area stand to the side of the driveway or sidewalk so you can see them as you are backing out of a driveway or parking space.
• Make sure to look behind you while backing up slowly in case of a child dashing behind your vehicle unexpectedly.
• Take extra care if you drive a large vehicle because they are likely to have bigger blind zones. Roll down your windows while backing out of your driveway or parking space so that you'll be able to hear what is happening outside of your vehicle.
• Teach your children to keep their toys and bikes out of the driveway.
• Because kids can move unpredictably, you should actively check your mirrors while backing up.
• Many cars are equipped with detection devices like backup cameras or warning sounds, but they cannot take the place of you actively walking around your car to make sure your children are safely out of the way. Do not rely solely on these devices to detect what's behind your vehicle.