The Niles Police Department embarks on Back to School Traffic Safety Campaign
Starting August 21 and ending August 25, 2006, The Niles Police Department in a combined awareness and enforcement campaign coinciding with the beginning of school. Members of the Niles Police Department will be teaming up on increased traffic enforcement in school zones. The patrols conducted during peak traffic times, designed to address “School Speed Zones” around schools in Niles.
Patrol Officers will be watching for cars speeding through the “School Speed Zones”, cars speeding through crosswalks and seat belt violations. In addition, officers will pay particular attention to drivers who do not stop for buses. Fines for speeding through a “School Speed Zone” carries a minimum $150 fine, passing a school bus while it is offloading passengers also carries a minimum $150 fine.
In addition, to “School Speed Zone” enforcement Patrol Officers will be conducting a series of “Seat Belt Enforcement Zones” at key locations near school during this first week of school. By conducting these “Seat Belt Enforcement Zones” we hope to slow drivers down and remind everyone to buckle up.
The goal of the Niles Police Department is not to hand out citations but to, raise awareness that school is back and students will be traveling to and from school.
Some back to school reminders for drivers:
- Do not pass a school bus that has its lights on and stop-arm extended.
- School Speed Zone limit is 20 miles per hour.
- Wait for a crosswalk to clear completely before continuing to drive.
- All passengers should wear a seat belt and/or an age- and size-appropriate car safety seat or booster seat.
- All children under 13 years of age should ride in the rear seat of vehicles
- Always wear a bicycle helmet, no matter how short or long the ride
- Make sure your child's walk to a school is a safe route with crossing guards at any major intersection.
- When dropping your children off at school drop them off in designated areas.
- Be aware for young children traveling to and from school.
At the end of the enforcement campaign Officers will be stopping those drivers who are actively obeying school speed zones and wearing seat belts. Instead of Officers handing out citations they will be handing out coupons for free “Slurpee’s” from 7-11 and gift cards from local businesses as a reward for doing the right thing, such as wearing a seat belt or obeying posted speed limits. “Officers are always seen giving out citations for traffic violations, but for those who drive safely, and obey traffic laws they never have any contact with the police.” “What better way to have a positive contact with a police officer and get a little reward for obeying the law,” says Sgt. Tornabene, Niles Police Department, Supervisor of the Niles Police Crime Prevention/School Unit who is overseeing this campaign.
To report speeding in your neighborhood and in school zones, or if you have questions regarding this enforcement campaign contact Sgt. Robert Tornabene at 847-588-6500.