Weekly Tip - STOP for School Bus Red Lights

School buses are equipped with flashing red lights that are activated by the driver when loading or unloading pupils. California law requires that drivers approaching from either side of the bus must stop and remain stopped while the red lights and stop arms are activated. The only exceptions to the law come into play when the bus is stopped on a roadway with multiple lanes and a divided highway or a raised center divider. If you are approaching from the opposite direction and on the opposite side of the road from the bus on a divided highway, you may proceed. This section, CVC 22454, also applies to private roads. (Photo courtesy of Sarasota County Sheriff)

This law was created for the safety of our students. It is imperative that drivers yield and stop for buses with red lights on. School bus drivers are required to assist pupils when crossing in front of the bus and may appear at any time. Be aware of pedestrians and watch out for darting kids!

Weekly Activity Highlights for August 21 - 27, 2016

https://www.arcadiaca.gov/home/showdocument?id=8310

Weekly Activity Highlights for August 14 - 20, 2016

https://www.arcadiaca.gov/home/showdocument?id=7276

Weekly Tip - How to Avoid a Parking Ticket

With school back in session, there is certainly no shortage of parking violations near the campuses. Some of the most common complaints and requests for police service near the schools are related to parking violations. In the rush to drop off a child, it is not uncommon to find parents double parking, stopping in a lane of traffic to drop off or pick up a child, parking or stopping in a red zone, parking well away from the curb because "the trash can" was in the way, blocking or impeding a resident's driveway...you name it, we see it.

Here are a few suggestions to help alleviate the congestion and avoid a parking or moving citation:

•Leave a few minutes earlier and avoid the rush.

•Park a little further away and walk your child to school.

•Obey all parking regulations.

•Follow the school's traffic plan.

•Be patient.

•Keep off the phone and pay attention.

•Set the example, don't encourage unsafe or illegal behavior.

•Be courteous to the school neighbors. It is NOT OK to impede a driveway, even if only for a few minutes.

CrimeMapping is Up and Running

Our updates are complete and CrimeMapping is back up and running for Arcadia. Take a look at the site and be sure to sign up for notifications when incidents occur in your area.

DUI/Driver's License Checkpoint This Weekend

Upcoming DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint

The Arcadia Police Department will be hosting a DUI/Driver’s License checkpoint. The checkpoint will run from 6:00PM Friday, August 19^th through 2:00AM August 20^th.  One of the goals of our enforcement activity is to promote public safety and increase awareness of the dangers associated with drinking and driving.  This will be accomplished by providing a highly visible enforcement and publicity campaign, in order to deter intoxicated drivers from getting behind the wheel and driving.  Through these efforts, we also seek to reduce the number of injuries and deaths associated with collisions involving intoxicated drivers.

We would like to remind the public of the dangers associated with drinking and driving.  Help save a life; call 9-1-1 to report drunk drivers. It simply is not worth it to drive while impaired. 

Don’t forget to visit the Arcadia Police Department News & Information Blog or follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Nixle for other pertinent news and information.  Remember, the solution begins with you! 

Funding for these operations is provided from a grant administered by the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Robert T. Guthrie

Chief of Police

By: Kollin Cieadlo

Traffic Sergeant

Weekly Tip - Pedestrians, Crosswalks, and Right of Way

A common concern that comes to the attention of the Traffic Bureau is drivers failing to yield to pedestrians. Pedestrian actions as well as drivers actions are governed by the Vehicle Code. Drivers must yield to pedestrians at crosswalks and intersections, even when there is no marked crosswalk. Use caution when approaching a crosswalk and if you have time to safely stop, yield to the pedestrian waiting to cross. Remember, if the pedestrian has made eye contact with you, they are probably ready to cross. If the roadway is divided, allow the pedestrian to walk past the center line or median before pulling through. If it is an undivided roadway, allow the pedestrian to walk well past the half way point in the road. Always check the curbs and look to see if someone is "darting" off the curb or entering the crosswalk late. Drivers and pedestrians both need to exercise caution and courtesy. Never pass a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk. Approach with caution and make sure the roadway and crosswalk have cleared.

Turning traffic at intersections is also dangerous for pedestrians. Even though you may have a green as a driver, you must still yield to pedestrians. Drivers making right turns must look and allow the pedestrian to step off on the green. Drivers making left turns across the intersection must make sure that not only is oncoming traffic clear, but that there are not pedestrians in the crosswalk in the path of their turn. Again, use courtesy and common sense. If the ped is well across the intersection or past the median point, you may complete your turn. If the ped is approaching you or on your side of the roadway, YIELD to them!

The DMV has a page dedicated to right of way rules regarding pedestrians, crosswalks, and other situations. Take a look for additional information.

Pedestrians outside of a crosswalk or unmarked intersection are also held responsible by the Vehicle Code. The pedestrian may only cross the road when safe to do so and must yield to traffic. The pedestrian may not cross between two signalized intersections. This is what is known as "jaywalking".