School has open safety time in Vernon Hills

The Vernon Hills Police Department has designated Aug. 22-26 as School’s Open Safety Week in Vernon Hills.

This runs in conjunction with the AAA-Chicago Motor Club’s 65th annual “School’s Open — Drive Carefully” campaign that aims to raise driver’s awareness as children go back to school.

Motorists are encouraged to be watchful for children going to and from schools and also at bus stops. Drivers should be diligent at obeying all rules of the road, especially those pertaining to school buses that are stopped to pick up or discharge students, and school zones, where the legal speed limit is 20 mph.

The Vernon Hills Police Department will be persistent in the enforcement of these school-related violations throughout the school year.

Motorists in Vernon Hills will receive constant safety reminders via posters supplied by the AAA-CMC. The colorful posters, which will be displayed throughout the village, will contain a “School’s Open — Drive Carefully” message.

So everyone can do their part to keep students safe, the AAA-CMC and the police have the following tips for drivers:

Ÿ Get in the habit of recognizing school zones on your route of travel.

Ÿ Look for bicycles, children walking, and crossing guards.

Ÿ Scan between parked vehicles for children.

Ÿ Be prepared to take evasive action — fast.

Ÿ Drive with headlights on so children and other drivers can see you.

Ÿ Avoid using cellphones while driving, especially during before-school and after-school hours. Remember it is now illegal to use a cellphone in a school zone, unless you have a hands-free device or are calling 911.

The Vernon Hills Police Department Crime Prevention Unit also urges parents to take some time to talk to their children about safe walking and teach them the following rules:

Ÿ Look all ways before crossing the street.

Ÿ Cross the road only where there are crosswalks.

Ÿ Walk, never run, when crossing the street.

Ÿ Obey the directions given by crossing guards and traffic signals.

Ÿ Never chase anything into the street.

Anyone with questions regarding any traffic law can contact the Vernon Hills Police Department Traffic Unit at (847) 362-4449, ext. 4832.