CORONA DEL MAR TODAY

Police: CDMHS Traffic Worse This Year But Getting Better

The beginning of a new school year often brings traffic problems as hundreds of cars descend — at once — around schools. But this year, drivers around Corona del Mar High School were so brazen in their illegal maneuvers that an email went around, urging people to be more careful.

“We all know traffic around school for drop off and pick up is awful,” the email said. “Please don’t make it more dangerous by driving fast or recklessly, making illegal u-turns or using the red zone as a drop off area. Can you imagine how you would feel if you hurt someone? Let’s all model good driving habits for our new and soon-to-be drivers. Plan ahead, leave earlier or just plain accept that your student will be late. There are far worse things that can happen.”

Newport Beach Police Sgt. Mike James said that it’s fairly common to have traffic problems when school begins, and as is typical, many of the problems are beginning to work themselves out. However, he said, the driving this year has been worse than in years past — and it’s parents, he said, not students who are breaking the laws.

“It just baffles us,” he said. “You would think the parents would be the most careful. But instead you see illegal maneuvers, failing to stop, going too fast.”

James said some parents have been letting students out onto the roads while at stop signs — totally illegal and totally dangerous.

“That’s just crazy,” he said.

So far, there have been no collisions or injuries. But police have received several phone calls from neighbors, complaining about the drivers. And officers will write tickets, he added.

“Leave a little earlier,” he advised. “It’ll avoid a lot of frustration.”