Crystal Lake Police to Increase Patrols in School Zones

 


The Crystal Lake Police Department has announced plans for heightened back-to-
school safety patrols and traffic enforcement efforts.  

Police will conduct increased safety patrols and target traffic violators within school zones during the opening weeks of the new school year, according to Crystal Lake Police Cmdr. Dan Dziewior. 

During school hours, officers will be directed to strictly enforce violations of the vehicle code which relate to school safety, Dziewior said.

"The Crystal Lake Police Department in partnership with Elementary School District 47 and High School District 155 is committed to providing safe routes to school for students, parents and school staff that walk and drive to school each day," Dziewior said in a news release.

Crystal Lake Police would like to remind drivers of the following traffic laws designed to safeguard children during the school year:

Wireless Telephones: 625 ILCS 5/12-610.1 
Cannot be used by a driver under the age of 19, while driving on the roadway (unless for an emergency call to police, fire rescue, health care provider, or other emergency services entity). Cannot be used by a driver of any age when traveling through a school zone (with children present and so close to motorized traffic that a hazard exists).

School Zone Speeding: 625 ILCS 5/11-605
On school days (when children are present and so close to motorized traffic that a hazard exists). Appropriate signage defines a school zone speed reduction.

School Bus Stop Arms: 625 ILCS 5/11-1414
The driver of a vehicle shall stop such vehicle before meeting or overtaking, from either direction, any school bus stopped at any location for the purpose of receiving or discharging pupils. Such stop is required before reaching the school bus when the bus activates its visual signals.

Crossing Guard Obedience: 625 ILCS 5/11-203
No person shall willfully fail or refuse to comply with lawful order or direction from a uniformed adult school crossing guard invested by law with authority to control traffic.

Pedestrian in Crosswalk / Right of Way: 625 ILCS 5/11-1002.5
State law requires a motorist to come to a complete stop for pedestrians in all crosswalks regardless of the presence of traffic control signals.