Kendall County Sheriff’s Office, Oswego Police Partner With Health Dept. For Roadside Safety

OSWEGO, IL - The Kendall County Sheriff’s Office partnered with the Kendall County Health Department for a roadside safety training. Together they prepared for weather hazards, discussed traffic pattern awareness, and reviewed what to do when pulled over by an officer during a traffic stop.

According to the sheriff’s office and the police department, your actions during a traffic stop can help make the interaction safe for everyone involved. And here are some recommendations from the police on what to do when being stopped:

• First, use your turn signal and pull your vehicle over to the side of the road, or to a safe location. It is important to know that in Illinois, you have the right to proceed to a public place that is well lit before pulling over
• Remain in your vehicle, unless the deputy directs you to get out and then, simply comply, it is the law.
• Turn the interior light on if it’s dark outside and roll down your window all the way.
• If you have a special communication need and have a visor alert card in the vehicle, point to your ear and the visor alert card, so the deputy knows the best way to communicate with you.
• Keep your hands in view, preferably on the steering wheel until instructed otherwise.
• Provide your license, registration, and insurance card, but do not retrieve or reach for these documents until instructed and asked to do so. This is so the deputy can safely witness your movements.
• Remain civil and calm. Answer any questions honestly. Ask any questions you may have based on what the deputy tells you. Obey legal commands from the deputy.
• If you are issued a citation and have questions regarding the citation, ask the deputy. Do not argue with the deputy and do not attempt to have the ticket resolved during the traffic stop. You will have your opportunity to plead your case if you decide to go to court.

“This roadside Safety training helped participants prepare for weather hazards, dangerous traffic patterns, parking lot safety, surveying the scene, and best practice ways to work with officers of the law at the roadside scene,” Dr. Amaal Tokars said. “This educational event was full of considerate communication about things that we might otherwise overlook or take for granted in our busied daily driving. We are fortunate to have such thoughtful leadership in our colleagues at the Kendall County Sheriff’s Office.”

(Photo courtesy Kendall County Sheriff’s Office

Pictured from left to right are: Kendall County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Todd Brautigam, Oswego Police Department Sergeant Chris Biggs, Kendall County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant Mark Bunting, Dr. Amaal Tokars and Kendall County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Commander Jason Langston)