Chief Jeff VenHuizen reports that the Rock Island Police Department would like to enhance the safety of children in our community by offering some tips for the motoring public. The greatest threat children face today is motor vehicle crashes.
The
problem escalates during the months children are in school. Children are
vulnerable for several reasons:
·
They
are small and less visible to motorists.
·
It’s
more difficult for children to judge traffic situations, because their
peripheral vision is one-third narrower than an adult’s.
·
Children
do not always possess the capability to make sound judgments.
·
Children
can be easily distracted, especially when around other children.
·
IPODs
and other personal music devices reduce the ability to hear traffic sounds.
In
short, children are not adults - and it's up to drivers to compensate for these
differences.
To
help protect children, the Rock Island Police Department urges motorists to
follow these safety tips:
·
Slow
down near schools and in residential areas - slower speeds buy reaction and
stopping time for the driver.
·
Drive
with your headlights on - even during the day - so children and other drivers
can see you. Illinois law requires the use of headlights while windshield
wipers are operating.
·
Look
for clues such as School Zone signs, bicycles, and playgrounds that indicate
children could be in the area.
·
Scan
between parked cars and other objects for signs of children. If you see a ball
roll onto the street, rest assured a child could be close behind.
·
Practice
extra caution in bad weather.
·
Always
stop for school buses that are loading or unloading students. Even when police
are not present, school bus drivers may report the violation of passing the bus
when the stop arm is extended.
In
order to enhance safety and encourage speed reduction awareness, in and around
schools, the Rock Island Police will be conducting special speed enforcement
details in school zone areas:
·
Officers
will be utilizing LIDAR - which enables officers to pinpoint the location of
the violator to determine if the violation occurred within a school zone while
children were present.
·
Speed
enforcement - speed limit within a school zone is 20 MPH when children are present.
·
Officers
will enforce laws pertaining to the use of cellular phones.