By Mary O’KEEFE

Local public schools are back in session and it is time to remind drivers that traffic has increased. Parents are rushing to drop their children off and teen drivers are searching for elusive parking spaces near Crescenta Valley High School.

California Highway Patrol, Glendale police and Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputies will be monitoring all roadways, especially those near school drop zones.

Each elementary school in Crescenta Valley has a designated drop-off area where parent volunteers and/or school staff help parents pull up in their car, drop their child off and drive away. These drop-off areas run smoothly most of time, but just before the schools’ bells ring it can become very busy with long lines of anxious parents and children.

“Parents need to give themselves enough time,” advised CHP Officer Cooper.

That advice also applies to high school students who drive to school.

All local elementary schools have crossing guards at crosswalks, as does Rosemont Middle School. In the past, particularly at La Crescenta Elementary School, the guards have been clipped by vehicles with drivers who apparently think they can slip by before the crossing guard gets to the curb or, in some cases, did not yield to the guard at all.

With construction continuing on the Foothill (210) Freeway, surface roads are busier than normal; with increased traffic around the schools, this can lead to dangerous situations.

Officer Cooper again reminds drivers to respect all traffic laws, be aware of posted signs concerning parking and drop-off lanes, and allow plenty of time for dropping off and picking up students.

And although many students in the CV area are driven to school, more and more walk. It is important to remember that in the CV area there are not always sidewalks on the path to school. Drivers should be cautious as pedestrians, students and parents must share the road to get to school.

  Mary Okeefe