5-Year-Old Hit By Vehicle, Airlifted to Hospital

Gia Carlson September 22, 2011 at 01:37 pm

Folks school officials can't monitor every area outside of a school, yes an adult presence can help, so maybe parents should volunteer to step up and take an afternoon to monitor the kids as they get out of school. If your school no longer has a crossing guard start a volunteer program to cover that spot! Yes drivers should be careful in school zones but it seems in all four cases kids where not using cross walks and were darting out from between cars. I seem to remember being taught that was dangerous and not to do that, how about we step up as parents and remind our kids of basic safety rules!
I pray for each child that was hurt and the drivers who were doing nothing wrong!

Livermore Resident September 22, 2011 at 01:57 pm

I agree 100% with Amy. The children learn from their parents and I have also seen many parents motion for their child to cross the street to the car at just about all the schools in Livermore. I myself have done it , but I have ALWAYS told my kids to cross at the CROSS-WALK! That is what it is there for. I don't care where I am parked across the street, they have to cross at the cross walk and look both ways (of course). My daughter has graduated and moved on, but my son still attends Granada and even there it can be a problem. Let's not even get into the way these teen drivers are driving! That's a whole other subject! I also have to agree with Speedie B regarding dismissal from Kindergarten. If I remember correctly (mind you, it's been 10 years with my youngest one!), the teacher was always with the students until a parent came to pick them up. They were released to the parents, grandparents or daycare provider; not allowed to run across the street to their waiting and obviously lazy parent who can't get out of the car to go and pick up their young child! I also blame people on their cell phones that just aren't paying attention! Really people? Is that phone call really worth possibly killing someone over?
My prayers go out to the little boy and his family. Hopefully, he has a speedy recovery!

Speedie B September 22, 2011 at 02:06 pm

As i pulled up to the curb to drop off my child, I was scolded by a parent because she wanted to cross there with her two small children. When i pointed out that she could safely cross in the crosswalk 10 feet forward, she yelled 'F* you', accompanied with the hand gesture. Another time, I asked a parent to pull to the curb or park in the parking lot because letting off children in the middle of the street is dangerous, again I received the infamous 'F* you'. These are the parents that really don't care for anyone but themselves and set bad examples for their kids and others around them. How do you reach the minds of these people so they understand rules are in place for a reason and that they should obey them and teach them to their kids?

Michelle September 22, 2011 at 02:57 pm

I have students at East Ave. and Arroyo Seco. Here is a novel idea for you all consider. Why are we all individually driving and picking up our children from school creating these terrible traffic problems. How about spending more time walking, biking, taking the bus, or carpooling... Most of the children who attend Arroyo Seco elementary school live within one mile of the school. I'm sure most of the parents following this thread rarely had a parent drive them to school.

LBS September 22, 2011 at 11:33 pm

skybaby commented on the article 5-Year-Old Hit By Vehicle, Airlifted to Hospital
"lisa...per the article, the driver was not at fault...the child did not cross the street in the propper manner....this is something that parents need to teach and remind and continue to teach their kids...I feel sorry for the woman who hit the boy....she too must be shaken from this." Yes skybaby I agree parents do need to teach their children. My point is that parents also need to teach by example and follow the laws by being responsible when dropping their children off and picking them up or we will have more tragic accidents. I also agree with Speedie that young children should be required to have an adult pick them up not just be released with out supervision. We always had to pick up our young daughters.

Ken Rovasio September 23, 2011 at 04:00 pm

Hi Speedie B, It does not mention in the article that the boy was released from the school or even goes to the school.
"emergency crews were sent to Kathy Way, near Arroyo Seco Elementary, for a report of a boy that was hit by a vehicle." The boy could live on Kathy Way and possibly darted away from his mother. I wish we new the facts before guessing. My child is 5, he attends Arooyo Seco and the after school program. When we pick him up he is released to us from the teacher or the ESS program teachers. I am fortunate to live right by the school and we walk everyday. As a parent, we make him stop at the cross walk, look both ways and then tell us if it is safe to walk. I think It is OUR responsibility as parents to teach our children how to cross the street. It is not up to the pricipal or teachers. They get paid to teach our children.

Speedie B September 23, 2011 at 04:24 pm

@ Ken Rovasio - Hi Ken, you are absolutely right in that it is a parent's job to teach our children about safety, whether it is pedestrian, fire, personal identity, financial, etc., and when reinterated by teachers, kids take these things more seriously. In another article published by the Patch, the LVJUSD Superintendent, Kelly Bowers, indicated the child hit was an elementary school student. This is the second time in 2 years that a child has been hit in that same area within the first few weeks of school starting. I hope the school district, the police dept., and parents remember this is in the future and put in place measures (i.e., safety assembly first weeks of school, crossing guards, parent volunteers) to monitor this area when school starts up and remind children to cross at corners and in crosswalks when it is safe to do so.

vicki September 23, 2011 at 08:17 pm

Everyone should read Amy's message - perfect. When I visited a friend in Reno last year, I noticed that through the school zones the speed limit is 10 mph. It is a serious drop in speed after cruising along @ 20 or 25. She said that there is rarely an accident because of this and she can't remember when the last accident was. She's lived there 15 yrs. Although young children do dart out in front of cars w/out looking, maybe the impact would be less if the speed limit for school zones was dropped. It made me immediately think of safety. Just a thought.

Serene September 24, 2011 at 11:17 am

I feel bad for the woman who hit the 5 year old who darted in front of her car.
My guess is she feels terrible about what happened; she shouldn't have live with that. Sadly, I see scary situations near several schools far too often. Some teens who walk along VERY busy East Ave. to get to school play a "game." They walk in groups on the sidewalk and surprise their walking buddies by pushing them off the curb and into oncoming traffic. Hmmm....not very funny. Agree with those who mentioned the lazy parents who drop their kids off in dangerous areas...pathetic. I think a major effort to educate kids of all ages AND their parents on getting to and from school safely is needed.

MagnusT September 24, 2011 at 05:54 pm

Round up people in the community and get some volunteers.

MagnusT September 24, 2011 at 05:57 pm

Please, let's not get the cops involved. Why don't you roll down your window and calmly explain to the parent that what they're doing is dangerous for everyone on the street. Get other parents and members of the community to do the same. The school could take a leadership role in this. We don't need to correct through punishment or verbal abuse: we can try to have compassion for other people and their circumstances and merely point out to them that the way in which they deposit their kids is unacceptable and they must find a safer alternative.
Everyone must be involved. This is a community, after all, not a corporation. If we see a problem, we fix it.

MagnusT September 24, 2011 at 06:02 pm

Like Patrick, I'd rather that members of the community assert authority and talk to parents who are causing safety problems. We don't need to add to their already obviously aggravated lives. Anyone in that much of a hurry to drop off their kids is already overwhelmed, and causing them more grief with traffic fines is entirely counterproductive (not to mention unlawful, but that's another issue).
Speak to your neighbors!

MagnusT September 24, 2011 at 06:03 pm

Thanks, Robin.

MagnusT September 24, 2011 at 06:04 pm

A regular parent can teach the lesson just as effectively as a police officer, but nonetheless that's a great comment, Allan.

MagnusT September 24, 2011 at 06:08 pm

Yep, good comment. In Nevada, they take the 10MPH speed limit very seriously. I was doing work in Las Vegas over a period of time and one of the more important rules of thumb was to absolutely obey the speed limit near schools.

LBS September 24, 2011 at 06:10 pm

You sound like a very sweet person MagnusT; if only it were that easy to deal with these law breaking parents. The last time I tried to reason with a parent at Mendenhall 2 years ago I almost got my head bit off. I'm not opposed to trying to calmly caution parents but I disagree with you regarding the police. I do feel that a few well placed patrol cars and a few citations would help to caution parents to do the right thing. I am pleased to see so many people chime in about this story as it does bring attention to a community issue and just maybe something will be done to not only teach the children young and old to obey the laws and wake up busy parents to teach by example and obey the laws.

MagnusT September 24, 2011 at 06:54 pm

The principle for Arroyo Seco is known to stand out at the Charlotte Way crossing. That is definitely a crossing where caution is imperative.
This accident occurred on Kathy Way, closer to the park than the school, and was not really related to a school pick-up/drop-off issue, though parents do park in that area to get their kids and those parked cars did add to the congestion of the street, which contributed to the accident. The child/parents were obviously at fault. The action around the Arroyo pick-up/drop-off area is generally orderly, and the crossing guard in front of the school is very stern.

Martin September 25, 2011 at 12:16 am

Living near the charter school, I've attempted multiple times to try and speak to parents about their driving habits. I've gotten into some serious arguments, yelling matches, and on rare occasion way to close to full physical confrontation over safety. I'd have to say in my experience there's an overwhelming percentage of people that have no concern about anything or anybody other then what is there's. I've had parents block my vehicle in the driveway while they park to walk their kid in so I cant take my kid to school, I've seen hit and runs with property damage envolved on more then one occasion, a large percentage of people busy on their phones to the point they don't even pay attention to a crossing guard, or the 3 way intersection she works. Drivers driving down between the traffic lane and parked cars to get to intersections, and thats just the beginning. It's great people want to not use police unless necessary,, But in my experience it is necessary. I regularly submit license plates on the LPD traffic site now, its not worth the possibilities and outcomes of having confrontations.. Thats not my job.

VJ September 25, 2011 at 02:27 pm

Martin, as a LVCS parent and in the valet lane every day I too am shocked by what I see some of the other parents doing. The school has been very clear about the safety guidelines for safe driving and pick up. Some parents just don't care. I worry about our crossing guard at the stop on El Cam because people get so mad at that intersection, blaring their horns and yelling at her. I apologize for the rude parents who park in front of your drive. I wish we didn't have those kinds of people at our school but they are there :( Please know that some parents at the school are following the rules and it always pleases me to see the Liv Police ticketing those who don't.

J-nine September 25, 2011 at 05:37 pm

There isn't a crosswalk on Mocho or Wagoner behind Granada High for the kids to use to safely cross the street -- but, there should be. What winds up happening is, the parents stop in the middle of the street to let their kids out and then the kids walk right out into the street as if they have the right-of-way. Most of them don't even look -- they just expect you to stop for them as if they are intitled to cross the street whenever they please. Also, these same parents cause a back-up -- there is always someone that pulls over at the red painted corner to let their kid out. Since they stop on the RED PAINTED corner, it's difficult to get around them.
Even when you're polite and try to talk to another parent respectfully, it NEVER goes over well. Realistically, the parents are the ones with the worst attitudes! You can't say/tell them anything. it's so sad. They get completely offended. Either someone from the school district needs to talk to the parents/students, or, an officer is always good to monitor and give out warnings. They used to have an officer back there once in awhile and when one was present, people behaved themselves; the traffic flowed smoothly; and the kids crossed the street more cautiously. The little kids need to be looked after ALL THE TIME by the parents and people need to drive slowly, attentively, and cautiously -- especially near schools & parks. Everyday, I think somebody may get hit.

MagnusT September 26, 2011 at 12:28 am

I think we all need to learn how to manage our affairs without bringing force and authority into the scenario. There is a better way. Be polite but forceful, and yes, you must get back up from your fellow neighbors. This is everyone's job. The police are busy with serious matters.

MagnusT September 26, 2011 at 12:32 am

We shouldn't need to have cops around threatening force if someone "steps out of line". I refuse to believe that we, as neighbors, cannot learn ourselves into a more organized system for getting our kids safely in and out of school. More people need to be willing to speak up. And based on the feedback shown here, anyone getting in an altercation with an irate parent who doesn't take criticism well will certainly be vindicated by the community. Nobody should ever feel threatened by someone putting others in danger. Have the courage to speak up and defend those doing the same.
Act like humans and you'll be treated as such. Act like animals...

LBS September 26, 2011 at 12:35 am

Sorry Magnus I disagree; when 4 kids are stuck by cars since school started August 23rd I perceive this as a very serious matter! The police are here to serve and protect and to make sure that laws are enforced; this is why we have police that deal directly with traffic enforcement.

Holly September 26, 2011 at 11:58 am

When a child runs across the street between traffic to get to the car of their parent who is apparently waiting for them to do just that, it is not the school officials' fault. A principal can not be in all places at all times watching every single child. Have you volunteered to help monitor near your school? Then quit blaming other people!

MagnusT September 26, 2011 at 02:20 pm

Police are too busy generating revenue to protect their salaries and pensions. And if you ask any police officer they'll tell you they have no legal obligation to protect or serve you (Supreme Court has said so many times). A cop is of little use if they're on the other side of town during peak traffic when someone is assaulting you, or in the instant case, acting irresponsibly in your presence. Irresponsibility is not a police (criminal) matter anyway, it's a moral matter. It's a matter that concerns the community. If you are part of the community then it is incumbent on you to actively participate in how you want your community run. If you don't get any support from others in the community then you are either in the wrong community or are being unreasonable. But, as has been shown here, when the vast majority of the community is in favor of correcting bad behavior around our schools, we collectively constitute the moral authority to take action.
Be polite but forceful. Don't get angry. This is not about control, but about education. People generally don't like to be told what to do, but they do appreciate learning something new. For those who insist on being rude, take down a license plate number and file a formal written complaint with the police department, who would then be obligated to act. But based on personal experience, I would only utilize the police as a last resort. Education ==> Understanding ==> Peace

LBS September 26, 2011 at 02:50 pm

As reported on the LPD website under Traffic division:
It’s that time of year again…. Back to school 2011 As part of our continuing Parking, Education, Enforcement Program (P.E.E.P.) the Livermore Police Department's Traffic Unit will be monitoring the schools at drop off and pick up times on a daily basis. Citations may be issued to drivers who do not follow the rules. Magnus this will be the last time I respond to you regarding this very important safety issue. As it states above the police department takes this issue very seriously. While I agree that we as a community should calmly and respectfully let our parents know that they are putting kids at risk with there dangerous practices this is not always productive. This is why we have a traffic division to respond to traffic issues. And guess what citations increase revenue! You sound like a very nice citizen but your play nice fix for this is not reality. This is a very serious issue that needs serious attention. Let us all agree that parents and children need to practice safety first so no one else is injured or worse! I will now unsubscribe to this email chain so as not to end up annoyed at your silliness.

MagnusT September 27, 2011 at 08:30 pm

They generate revenues for whom? Did you really just say that? I can't believe my eyes, but there it is! Where in the city bylaws does it say the police shall be funded by citation revenue? I think that's what our property taxes are for, don't you? If the cops can't get by on the budget that we the people give them then they are obviously mismanaging their budget. Perhaps they should focus less on traffic checkpoints and extracurricular paramilitary training and focus more on serving the people.
Some of us don't want to pay for their services anymore. Some of us can provide the same service better, more efficiently, and cheaper. You call the cops if you want to, but don't be surprised if it comes back to bite you in the end.

David H. October 1, 2011 at 07:30 pm

It's not just the responsibility of the tax payers to higher more crossing guards, it's also the responsibility of the drivers to pay more attention during school hours. Everyone has a part to play. I drop my kid off everyday at Croce and I agree that a crossing guard is needed at that intersection. However, everyone needs to pay more attention.

Ginger October 2, 2011 at 06:57 pm

hey why don't we go back to school buses.

elizabeth October 8, 2011 at 03:58 am

its amazing how many people are quick to blame the kids. i have six kids and talk to them dailey (no lie) about street saftey, these are kids being hit and they make mistakes and are learning everyday. why doesnt the city and all concerned parents (like myself) address the real issues... there is not enough crosswalks or crossing guards at these schools, also if you choose to drive a car you take on the responsibility of changing your driving as conditions call for. like going slow (i think 15 or slower) in front of schools or in neighborhoods. if drivers would take a few seconds to slow down and except kids will be in and around streets when school gets out these accdents wouldnt happen.Yes kids should use crosswalks but i think its a joke how people exspect kids to make better chooses than the licensed drivers. i will continue to teach my kids that they have to do just that, make better chooses than some drivers are!