ILLINOIS STATE POLICE
Hiram Grau - Director
NEWS
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT |
| Date: August 15, 2012 | Trooper Mike Link |
| Time: 8:29 a.m. | 618.346.3524 - Office |
| 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 Brad Parsons, would like to remind motorists that many metro-east schools have started or are about to start. Motorists should be on the lookout for children and increased traffic around 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.”
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One Driving Fatality is One too Many and the Illinois State Police is Committed to Driving Zero Fatalities to a Reality
www.isp.state.il.us / TDD: 1-800-255-3323
