Article by Laura Herzog, News Enterprise
As summertime draws to an end and our children are getting ready to go back to school, the community is asked to plan ahead, and grant extra traveling time. In the hustle and bustle of busy schedules, we are many times in a hurry to get from point A to point B and we forget to plan extra time into our schedule. You may be thinking extra time for what? Our school-age children will be back gathering at some of the busiest intersections in our city.
“Crossing guards are the people in charge of the safety of our kids,” says Sgt. Sharon Kerbow of the Los Alamitos Police Department, “but a lot of times their directions are ignored. We want to remind drivers of how important these guards are to our children. They take their responsibility seriously, and if they give a direction to a driver, it’s for a good reason and it must be obeyed.”
Driving through an intersection after a crossing guard has stepped out into the crosswalk is a violation under California Vehicle Code (CVC) number 22101.Violaters can be ticketed, and the fine is $300-$350. “As long as the crossing guard has the sign up, there is no right turn,” says Kerbow. One of the most dangerous intersections is the corner of Bloomfield and Katella which is now staffed with two crossing guards and a camera.The Los Alamitos Police Department and the city’s crossing guards are united in making it safe for our children to travel to school and are reminding each member of the community of the importance of following the instructions of the crossing guards and obeying the law. “These crossing guards really are saints,” says Kerbow, “and people need to remember that they are the ones who are responsible for our children’s safety. Drivers must pay attention and follow their instructions, even if that means they have to wait longer perhaps through another cycle of traffic light.”