Illegal Driving By Some LEUSD Parents Creating Unsafe Conditions At Schools

Conditions around some Lake Elsinore Unified School District campuses are unsafe during student drop-off and pick-up times, according to complaints submitted by a few Patch readers.

Today, the attached photo was sent by a reader who snapped this image at Lakeland Village School, 18730 Grand Avenue. It depicts drivers parked in a red zone and partially blocking a crosswalk. The reader also accuses drivers of disobeying the speed limit around the campus, particularly when students are present.

“It's completely unsafe [for] our children when they get in and out of school; somebody's going to end up getting hurt,” the reader said.

These same accusations are not particular to Lakeland Village School. Patch has heard the same complaints about other campuses. For example, Wildomar Elementary School was recently discussed during a Wildomar City Council meeting when a resident complained that parents are practicing unsafe and illegal driving when dropping off and picking up their children.

While Lake Elsinore sheriff's deputies do patrol near school campuses – and tickets are handed out – how much blame should be placed on parents? Should parents park further away and escort their children to and from a legally parked vehicle instead? And is driving necessary for everyone, especially given today's obesity problems?

School bus service has been cut for most Lake Elsinore Unified School District students, so what are your suggestions to reduce the traffic problems at local campuses? Do parents need to take more responsibility?