Berkeley, California (Monday, August 16, 2021) - Berkeley Schools are beginning to return to in-person instruction. The Berkeley Police Department wants to draw attention to this, especially regarding traffic and pedestrian safety.
Schools are set to have students return to campus on Monday August 16th and the Department will have some officers doing directed traffic safety education and enforcement in the areas surrounding them.
As students return to school, and to their school commutes, we urge everyone in our community to be extra careful and aware of traffic safety issues. Members of our community commute in a number of ways—by car, bus, bicycle, and on foot!
Please take a few moments to watch a safety video from the California Office of Traffic Safety, and be extra cautious as our smaller community members resume their school commutes.
The Berkeley Police Department offers the following tips to stay safe around schools:
- Slow down.
- Follow any school rules for dropping off or picking up students.
- Stop for school buses. Watch for children rushing to catch the bus or exiting.
- Whenever possible, avoid blocking the crosswalk while waiting to make a right-hand turn.
- Always look both ways before crossing the street. Make sure cars see you.
- Walk on sidewalks, when available. Cross at marked crosswalks, preferably at stop signs or signals.
- Watch for cars entering or backing out of driveways or leaving parking spaces.
Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
