South Bay Police Department Offers Safety Tips Ahead Of New School Year

TORRANCE, CA — As parents and children gear up for the start of the new school year, the Torrance Police Department is offering some safety tips to ensure everyone's experience goes seamlessly.

The first day of school at Torrance Unified School District is Thursday, while neighboring South Bay cities such as Redondo Beach and Palos Verdes start classes on Wednesday.

Encouraging the following safety habits, according to the Torrance Police Department, will help students and parents have a more enjoyable back-to-school experience.

General tips:

• Students should know some way to reach parents or guardians in case of emergencies.
• It is recommended that parents practice walking or riding routes with their children before school starts so they can get familiar with the process.
• If possible, choose walking or riding routes that are well-lit and have less traffic.

Walking Tips:

• Always use sidewalks for travel. When sidewalks aren't available, walk facing traffic.
• Use designated crosswalks and look both ways before crossing the street.
• Travel in groups whenever possible and wear bright or reflective clothing that increases visibility in the early morning or late afternoon.
• Avoid distractions such as walking while looking at phones or having headphones on while near areas with high traffic.

Biking Tips:

• Wear a properly fitted helmet to avoid head injuries.
• Follow traffic rules and signs as if driving a car on the road. This includes signaling on turns and stops.
• Check brakes, tires and chains on the bike before riding.
• Use lights and reflectors on a bike, especially in low-light settings.