IA - Rock Island police beef up speed enforcement in school zones
Rock Island police beef up speed enforcement in school zones
Times online staff | Posted: Monday, August 3, 2009 5:45 am | Loading…
Font Size:Default font sizeLarger font size Students in Rock Island return to schools today and the Rock Island Police Department wants to remind drivers to slow down around schools when children are present.
Police Chief John Wright reports that the greatest threat children face today is motor vehicle crashes. While walking, cycling or as a passenger in a motor vehicle, these crashes are the leading cause of death for children ages 3 and older.
In order to enhance safety and encourage speed reduction awareness in and around schools, the Rock Island Police will be conducting special speed enforcement details in school zone areas. Officers will be utilizing LIDAR which will enable officers to pinpoint the location of the violator to determine if the violation occurred within the school zone while children are present. The speed limit in a school zone is 20 mph when children are present.
Officers will continue to conduct speed enforcement at designated areas throughout August and September as part of a Speed Enforcement Grant through the Illinois Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The Rock Island Police Department is urging drivers follow these safety tips:
• Slow down near schools and in residential areas. Slower speeds buy reaction and stopping time for the driver.
• Drive with your headlights on - even during the day - so children and other drivers can see you. Illinois law requires the use of headlights when windshield wipers are on.
• Look for clues such as School Zone signs, bicycles, and playgrounds that indicate children could be in the area.
• Scan between parked cars and other objects for signs of children. If you see a ball roll onto the street, rest assured a child could be close behind.
• Practice extra caution in bad weather.
• Always stop for school buses that are loading or unloading students. Even when police are not present, school bus drivers may report the violation of passing the bus when the stop arm is extended.
