Niles Police Cracking Down On Distracted Driving In School Zones

From the Niles Police Department: The Niles Police Department wants to remind the community that School will be back in session starting August 16th. As part of our commitment to the public’s safety the Niles Police Department will be conducting an education and enforcement campaign, which is aimed at school zones around the Village.

Officers from the Crime Prevention Bureau will be looking for drivers that are using mobile devices, speeding in school zones, illegally passing school buses, failing to yield at crosswalks, and any other violation that may endanger school children on their way to and from school. The focus is on increasing awareness of ‘distracted driving’ and pedestrian safety. The enforcement will be conducted mainly but not limited to 7:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. hour when children are on their way to school.

‘Distracted driving’ is a major public safety issue and it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle in the state of Illinois using hand-held cell phones while driving in a highway construction zone, as well as while driving through a school zone. Drivers’ are allowed to use cell phones in these zones if they have some type of hands-free technology. However, this does not include holding the cell phone in your hand with the speaker phone in operation.

The Crime Prevention Bureau will also be out conducting awareness campaigns at school crossings, interacting with parents and students to make them aware of vehicle traffic.

The Niles Police Department encourages people to report speeding and reckless driving anywhere in the Village but especially in school zones. If you have any question regarding this enforcement campaign please contact the Niles Police Department at (847) 588-6500.

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