ILLINOIS STATE POLICE
Hiram Grau - Director
For Immediate Release:
August 11, 2011
08:29 AM
For More Information Contact:
Trooper Mike Link
618.346.3524 - work
618.973.3050 - cell
mike.link@isp.state.il.us
ILLINOIS STATE POLICE REMINDS MOTORISTS THAT SCHOOL IS STARTING
Watch For: Children as They Walk or Ride Bikes to School, Stopped School
Buses, and School Speed Zones.
COLLINSVILLE, IL – Illinois State Police District 11 Commander, Captain B.
Parsons, would like to remind motorists that area schools will soon open
their doors and begin the new school year. Motorists should be on the
lookout for children and increased traffic near schools.
The start of the school years means an increase in children walking and
riding their bikes during the morning and evening commutes. Motorists
should be on the lookout for children darting out between parked cars and
children riding their bikes to and from school. As parents drop off their
children before school and pick them up after school, there will also be an
increase in vehicle traffic during the morning and evening commute.
Motorists are reminded to watch their speed in school zones and limit their
distractions. The speed limit in school zones is 20 m.p.h. and is in
effect from 7a.m. to 4 p.m. It is illegal to talk on a cell phone in a
school zone and it is always illegal to text while driving. Speeding in a
school zone is a $150 fine and talking on a cell phone in a school zone or
texting while driving is a $120 fine.
Motorists approaching a stopped school bus with lights activated and sign
extended must stop their vehicle before reaching the school bus. Failure
to do so can result in a $150 fine and the suspension of your driver's
license for three months. Also remember that pedestrians have the
right-of-way in a crosswalk.
"As school begins, remember to slow down and pay attention while driving
through school zones." stated Captain B. Parsons. "Not only do we want
our children to be safe while they are in school, we also want them to be
safe going to and coming home from school."
(See attached file: BackToSchool.pdf)
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