State Launches Back-To-School Safety Campaign Aimed At CA Drivers

SAN DIEGO, CA — As Southern California students settle into the new school year, state traffic safety officials Monday were urging motorists to slow down and remain alert around schools while announcing increased enforcement and a campaign aimed at protecting children walking and biking to campus.

The California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) launched its "ABCs for School Zone Safety" campaign, reminding motorists to be "Alert for Bicyclists and Children crossing" as traffic increases around schools.

"As students head back to school, we want every trip to be a safe one," OTS Director Stephanie Dougherty said in a statement. "The `ABCs for School Zone Safety' campaign highlights driving basics that protect children on their daily routes. Remember your ABCs on every trip -- stay alert for bicyclists and watch for and yield to children crossing the street."

The campaign will run through the end of August, with English- and Spanish-language digital and audio messages reminding motorists to obey school- zone speed limits, watch for children walking and biking and stop for school buses.

The California Highway Patrol will also increase enforcement operations in school zones statewide, targeting speeding, failure to yield and other unsafe driving behaviors, according to OTS.

CHP officers will also conduct school bus enforcement operations targeting motorists who fail to stop for buses displaying flashing red lights.

Last October, OTS said it provided more than $1 million to the CHP to expand pedestrian safety enforcement, particularly in school zones and near bus stops.

State officials reminded motorists to allow additional travel time around schools, avoid distractions and reduce speeds when children are present. With limited exceptions, California law requires motorists traveling in both directions to stop when a school bus displays flashing red lights and remain stopped until the lights are turned off.

E-bike safety is also a concern among younger riders. State data show children 14 and younger recorded the highest number of e-bike injuries among age groups in California from 2018 through 2024, according to OTS.

Federal data show 1,253 pedestrians and bicyclists were killed on California roads in 2024, accounting for 32% of all traffic deaths in the state.

Caltrans Director Dina El-Tawansy urged motorists to exercise additional caution near campuses.

"Everyone can do their part to keep our young people safe by slowing down in school zones and driving with extra caution where children are present," El-Tawansy said. "These conscientious driving habits protect students on foot and those on bikes, helping them arrive to class and return home safely."

California announced last month that nearly $2.5 billion is being invested in more than 150 transportation projects statewide intended to improve connections for pedestrians, bicyclists and transit users.