Above / With the beginning of school, the Naperville Police Department issues back-to-school safety reminders for all motorists and cyclists.
The 2016-2017 school year is here, and the Naperville Police Department wants to remind everyone to practice safe driving to ensure a safe and successful school year.
Children will once again be walking to school through neighborhoods, waiting at bus stops and dropped off at schools by parents and buses. Additionally, young drivers will be on the road driving to high school for the first time. Motorists are reminded that with all the distractions on the road today, it is critical to slow down and be aware of your surroundings.
The beginning of the school year is an especially important time to check your driving behavior and ensure you are practicing safe driving habits.
Be prepared and patient! Watch out for children
The new school year is extremely busy on the roadways, so please plan ahead, leave your home earlier than normal to allow enough time to reach your destination without rushing.
Obey all traffic laws.
Stop at all stop signs, obey all speed limits, yield to all pedestrians in a crosswalk and obey all crossing guards and student safety patrols.
Remember that it is illegal to proceed around a school bus with the stop sign arm engaged. Be patient as children enter and exit school buses.
When entering a school zone, slow down to 20 mph and be alert for children on foot and bicycles.
Follow each school’s traffic and parking plan. Following the school’s parking plan and following the appropriate parking signage creates another level of safety for everyone near the school.
If you have questions or want more information on your school’s traffic and parking plan, contact your school.
As a reminder, Illinois bans the use of all hand-held devices while driving in Illinois as well as texting while driving. Only hands-free technology such as speakerphones, Bluetooth and headsets are permitted.
However, caution is advised even when using hands-free technology, as studies have shown that driving performance while using a hands-free phone was rarely found to be better than using hand-held devices. Be extra vigilant in school zones and stay off the phone.
Additionally, those walking and riding bikes to school should follow basic safety habits such as walking on sidewalks, crossing the street at intersections and looking both ways before crossing. Bicyclists should wear a helmet, reflective clothing and stay on sidewalks when available.
Members of the Naperville Police Department will be providing enhanced education and enforcement patrols around schools during the opening weeks of the school year.
Remember that it is everyone’s responsibility to make safety a priority.
Editor’s Notes / Motorists are reminded to slow down all along Webster Street and to note a new all-way stop at the intersection of Webster at Douglas.
Also remind children “to look right, look left and look right again” when crossing the street.
Also, remember that the speed limit is 25 mph on all neighborhood streets unless otherwise noted. Drive safely with caution.
