Vernon Hills police calls attention to school safety

Submitted by the Vernon Hills Police Department

The Vernon Hills Police Department has designated Aug. 21-25 as School's Open Safety Week in Vernon Hills. This runs in conjunction with the AAA-Chicago's 2017 "School's Open - Drive Carefully" campaign that aims to raise driver 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 miles per hour.

As always, 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 be receiving constant safety reminders via posters that are being supplied by the AAA-Chicago. The colorful posters, which will be hung throughout the village, will contain a "School's Open - Drive Carefully" message.

So that everyone can do their part to keep students safe, the Vernon Hills Police Department has the following tips for drivers:

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

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

• Scan between parked vehicles for children.

• Be prepared to take evasive action quickly.

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

• Avoid using cellphones while driving, especially during before-school and after-school hours. Remember, with few exceptions (including using a hands-free device or calling 9-1-1), it is illegal to use a cellphone on a roadway at any time.

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:

• Look all ways before crossing the street.

• Cross the road only where there are crosswalks.

• Walk, never run, when crossing the street.

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

• Never chase anything into the street.

Anyone who has questions should call (847) 247-4889.

• To submit Your news with one photo, go to dailyherald.com/share. To submit Your news with multiple photos, send it to nbrcalender@dailyherald.com.