Menifee, CA - In response to concerns from parents and the public about traffic dangers in and around our schools, the Menifee Police Department will be conducting random traffic enforcement at various elementary, middle, and high schools in the City of Menifee throughout the school year. 

The Menifee Police Department encourages parents and caregivers to give their children a safety refresher on walking, riding their bicycle, and school bus protocol. Enforcement alone is not enough. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2013, 5% of all pedestrian fatalities and 15% of all pedestrian injured were children age 14 years or younger.

The following walking, biking and school bus safety practices can be very effective when communicated and properly demonstrated by parents to their children:

Walking

• Walk on the sidewalk. If one doesn’t exist, walk facing traffic.
• When crossing the street, look both ways for cars.
• Always use the crosswalk if one is available, otherwise cross at an intersection.
• Obey traffic signals when crossing the street.
• Refrain from wearing headphones or using a mobile device.
• If you walk with friends, don’t be too involved in conversation that you’re not paying attention to what you’re doing.

Biking or Skateboarding

• Get familiar with the safest route and traffic signals and signs.
• Always wear a properly fitted helmet.
• Always stop and look both ways before crossing any street or intersection.
• Never wear headphones.

Taking the Bus

• Wait five giant steps from the road and when the school bus arrives, wait until the driver lets you know that it is safe to board.
• When boarding the school bus, go straight to your seat and sit facing the front.
• Respect the driver and minimize distracting behaviors.
• When exiting the bus, look out for cars and immediately move out of the roadway.

Reminders for Parents and Caregivers:

• Expect delays and exercise patience when dealing with them.  Plan ahead by plotting your route and give yourself a few extra minutes to accommodate possible commute delays during mornings and afternoons.  The shortest route might not be the fastest route.  
• Exercise caution around schools and neighborhoods by always following the posted speed limit 
• inside school zones, which is often 25 mph maximum but may be as low as 15 mph. Watch for children who may unexpectedly step into traffic.
• Be extra cautious around school drop off zones, and make sure your kids are, too. Don’t think    safety is over once you drop your child off; there are many others around.
• If you must use your phone, pull over into a parking spot when it is safe to do so.
• Avoid distractions such as eating, applying makeup, changing the radio, and using mobile devices.

The traffic enforcement will focus on school zone traffic laws such as, but not limited to, pedestrian right of way, bus and bus zone laws, parking laws, speed laws, and distracted driving. Traffic assessments at each school site will also be conducted, as we look for ways to help improve traffic flow to better protect our students.  

The safety of our students is paramount and traffic enforcement is just one part of the coordinated effort to ensure that safety.  Similar Menifee school traffic enforcement was conducted on September 1st, 6th, and 8th, 2016. Over the 3-day enforcement approximately 36 traffic stops were made and 16 citations were issued. The violations varied from cell phone use, speeding, and parking violations.

Officer’s at the schools during start and release times afford an opportunity for the public to learn about traffic laws that improve safety and traffic flow. The Menifee Police Department encourages drivers to obey all traffic laws, stop for students crossing to the school, stop for buses, use designated student drop off points, and obey all speed laws. As we all work together toward increased traffic safety, your patience and cooperation is appreciated.  

Anyone with suggestions to enhance traffic safety at your school campus is encourage to call Sergeant John Burke at 951-210-1091.