Though it seems as if summer has just begun, students return to local schools in mid-August and drivers need to be safety conscious.

By Mary O’KEEFE

The 2026-27 school year begins on Aug. 19 for local public schools and, as always, heavier traffic will be seen in areas – not only around schools but just about everywhere. 

Each year, CVW reminds drivers that when school starts traffic, historically, becomes heavy with congested areas especially around schools. Parking around Crescenta Valley High School, as well as other schools in the Glendale and Burbank Unified School districts, increases and may be difficult to find and pedestrian traffic also increases. It is a time that seems to catch a lot of drivers by surprise even though the same issues occur year after year.

“Several new traffic-safety laws took effect this year. One change drivers may notice near schools is that local jurisdictions now have additional authority to reduce posted school-zone speed limits from 25 to 20 miles per hour when the appropriate ordinance and signage are in place. Drivers should always pay close attention to the posted speed limit because it may vary by location,” said California Highway Patrol Officer Alec Pereyda. 

  Pereyda has taken on the role of community officer since Officer Bay transferred.

“Another important change expands California’s ‘Move Over, Slow Down’ requirements. Drivers approaching certain stopped vehicles displaying hazard lights or warning devices should move over when it is safe to do so or slow to a safe speed if changing lanes is not possible. The overall message is simple: stay alert, watch for changing roadway conditions and follow posted signs,” he said. “California’s school-zone and expanded move-over provisions took effect in 2026, although the school-zone reduction depends on local action and proper signage.”

Pereyda said that what he has noticed the most when school begins is that drivers becoming impatient during busy drop-off and pickup periods. 

“That can lead to unsafe behavior such as stopping in traffic, double-parking, making illegal U-turns, blocking crosswalks or driveways, and dropping children off outside designated areas.

“We understand mornings can be hectic, but [gaining] a few extra minutes is never worth putting a child at risk. Parents should follow the school’s designated traffic pattern, use approved loading zones, remain attentive and avoid distractions behind the wheel,” he added. 

Some drivers who do not have students at school can be caught off guard when school begins. It is not just traffic directly around school that is affected but streets, and even freeways, can be more congested. Buses will once again be traveling from Glendale to far north Glendale with students heading to Clark Magnet High School on New York Avenue. That traffic affects all parts of Glendale as students make their way to get on school buses. 

“Drivers who do not have children in school should still expect major changes in traffic patterns as the school year begins. School buses, pedestrians, bicyclists and additional vehicles will be on the road during the morning and afternoon commute,” Pereyda said. 

Often many drivers who have students attending school do not give themselves enough travel time. 

“Drivers should leave a little earlier, slow down near schools and residential areas, stay off their phones, watch carefully at crosswalks and be prepared for children to enter the roadway unexpectedly. It is also important to obey all school bus laws; never pass a school bus when its red lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended,” he added.

Pereyda said it is important that all drivers be aware of their surroundings and not be distracted when driving. 

“CHP continues to identify distracted driving as a major safety concern with more than 111,000 distracted-driving citations issued statewide in 2025,” Pereyda said. 

And there will be law enforcement around and near schools as the year begins including CHP. CHP patrols streets in the unincorporated area of LA County, La Crescenta/Montrose. Other areas, like Glendale and Burbank, have their own police departments. La Cañada Flintridge streets are patrolled by LASD/Crescenta Valley Station.

“CHP officers regularly monitor school areas and surrounding roadways, particularly during the beginning of the school year when traffic patterns change and students are returning to campus. We work with local schools and law-enforcement partners to identify traffic concerns and address unsafe driving behavior,” Pereyda said. “Our patrol efforts may include increased visibility and targeted enforcement where needed, but our goal is not simply to issue citations. The priority is preventing collisions, encouraging safe driving and helping students, parents and school staff get to and from campus safely.”

Glendale Unified School District begins classes on Aug. 19. Public school sessions in the Burbank Unified School District begin on Aug. 13. 

Parents and guardians are also advised by law enforcement to know the rules and regulations concerning e-bikes, which are allowed on the streets, and e-motorcycles or e-motos, which are not street legal. 

For CHP information on e-bikes/e-motos visit https://tinyurl.com/uuanb3zv.