Traffic Problem Increases in Irvine Elementary and Middle Schools

Traffic Problem Increases in Irvine Elementary and Middle Schools

Posted on October 11, 2012 | Written By: iadminlaw

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Elementary schools are facing some tough road traffic of their own. With many parents driving through, children wandering about, and a time frame to follow, it is no wonder that many driving and parking scenes are chaotic.

For the past month, Irvine elementary and middle schools have been in a tense struggle to ease the chaotic scenes of parents dropping off and picking up their kids. There have been designated 30-minute drop off and pick up traffic spots that parents must use when leaving or getting their kids. So far, this rule has left many parents with police tickets and some with a towed vehicle.

In one Irvine elementary school, the Orchard Hill School, about 1,100 students come and go. The traffic situation gets out of hand with multiple cars struggling to drop off kids and with many pedestrians crowding the crosswalk and sidewalks. The principal of the school contacted the Irvine Police Department for help because many drivers were not following the drop off rules and holding up traffic. After that, officers were present at the scene for a few weeks, giving out warnings and talking to parents. When parents did not seem to be taking the warnings seriously, policemen started writing $200+ citations for drivers making illegal U-turns or illegal left or right turns out and into the parking lot.

One car was even impounded. A $130,000 BMW 550i V8 was towed away after suspicion that the driver had a suspended license.

Schools are trying to work with city officials and parents to create safe and fast drop off destinations. Safety of children and parents are off primary concern and must be taken into account. Even if parents are in a hurry, they should not disobey road signs and laws. The police men are simply performing their duties and trying to keep residents safe.

One parent has even started an online petition, filled with photos and text of how the city and schools need to fix this risky problem. A task such as picking up students has become a 30 minute wait as cars and drivers pile up in a line.

While getting your child to school on time should be a somewhat important priority, a concern that should be addressed above all others is safety. Pedestrians, cars, and drivers should be kept safe. A car accident would be very unfortunate at a school and personal injury should be avoided. However, if you have been in an accident and wish to take action, contact a Irvine accident attorney to help you fight for your rights.