The Willowbrook Police Department offers the following tips to help keep children and motorists alike safe as the new school year is here:
Both drivers and pedestrians should remain aware of their surroundings as the number of pedestrians on area roads increases, and drivers should take every precaution when traveling in residential, urban and school areas where pedestrians may cross the street or walk along the roadway.
Pedestrians, especially children, may dart out into traffic from unexpected places, like from between parked cars. Drivers should always be prepared to take evasive action, monitor their speed and show that they care by setting a good example.
Parents should reiterate to their children some basic safety tips for walking:
1. Do not cross the street alone if you're younger than 10 years old.
2. Stop at the curb before crossing the street.
3. Walk, do not run, across the street.
4. Cross at corners using traffic signals, crossing guards, and crosswalks.
5. Look left, right, and left again before crossing.
6. Walk facing traffic.
7. Make sure drivers see you before crossing in front of them.
8. Do not play in driveways, streets, or parking lots.
9. Wear white clothing or reflectors when walking at night.
10. Cross at least 10 feet in front of a school bus.
20-MPH SCHOOL ZONES
The Willowbrook Police Department also warns drivers that it takes a zero-tolerance approach to vehicles speeding within the 20-mile-per-hour school zones.
Drivers who exceed the posted school zone speed limit can expect to be stopped and cited - and a citation for speeding in a school zone brings with it a mandatory court appearance, a conviction against your driving record and minimum fines and costs of $285.00.
STOP FOR STOPPED SCHOOL BUSES
Motorists should stay vigilant and obey the law when approaching a school bus stopped to load or unload children. Drivers approaching a stopped school bus that has its stop arm extended and red lights flashing are required to stop and remain stopped until the bus driver retracts the stop arm and turns off the red flashing lights.
A ticket for failing to stop for a school bus can result in a three-month driver's license suspension. If the owner of the vehicle is not driving at the time of the violation, the owner is rquired to identify the driver or face suspension of the vehicle's registration.