During the week of August 20th, schools in River Forest will begin opening for the 2018-19 school year. The River Forest Police Department would like to remind everyone of some state laws, local ordinances, and additional tips to help ensure everyone’s safety as the school year begins.
School Zone Speed Limit (625 ILCS 5/11-605)
The speed limit is reduced to 20 mph in designated “School Zones”, which are on streets that pass primary and secondary schools. The school zone speed limit is in effect from 7am-4pm on school days when children are present. There are school zones in River Forest on Division St, Chicago Ave, and Lake St, which are clearly marked with fluorescent yellow signs. Additionally, penalties and fines are more severe for drivers caught violating the school zone speed limit.
Use of Electronic Communication Devices (625 ILCS 5/12-610.2)
Illinois law states “A person may not operate a motor vehicle on a roadway while using an electronic communication device”, which includes cell phones, smart phones, tablets, etc. This includes looking at the screen of the phone, manipulating the phone, and speaking on the phone. The law makes an exception for “hands-free” operation of the phone, such as speaking via “blue-tooth” connection. Penalties may be more severe for drivers caught violating the Electronic Communication Device law while traveling in one of the previously mentioned “school zones”. Remember, just “Drop it and Drive”.
Obedience to Crossing Guards (625 ILCS 5/11-203)
Drivers must obey the direction of school crossing guards (or police officers) stopping or directing traffic in order to safely assist pedestrians crossing the street. Crossing guards in River Forest are identifiable by their florescent yellow attire and hand-held “Stop” signs. If a crossing guard is holding up a “stop” sign and/or directing you to “stop”, it means “stop”.
Pedestrians in crosswalks (625 ILCS 5/11-1002)
Drivers must STOP and yield the right-of-way to any pedestrians within a crosswalk where there is no traffic control device (stop light, stop sign, etc). The Village of River Forest uses portable signs placed in the street near some heavily used crosswalks to remind drivers of this law. This law applies to all such crosswalks, not just those with crossing guards and/or signs.
One-way streets on school days (River Forest Village Code 9-2-3, 9-3-3)
Sections of LeMoyne St, Park Ave, Franklin Ave, Ashland Ave, and Jackson Ave become one-way streets on school days between 7:30am and 4pm. These sections are identified by “DO NOT ENTER” and “ONE-WAY” signs. Pay attention to road signage at all times, but especially while driving near schools.
Parking around schools
All schools in River Forest utilize some form of lane dedicated for “student loading” (pick-up and drop-off) if drivers wish to stay in their vehicles and a separate area for parking if the drivers wish to exit vehicles and walk into the school. Please review your school’s traffic plan and heed signage to ensure you are not parking in the student loading lane or driving through the parking area. If the student loading lane is full, you may not block traffic by stopping your vehicle while waiting to enter the student loading lane. Additionally, do not block residential driveways while parking or loading. The River Forest Police Department can and will issue parking citations for any of these situations described above.
Finally, please keep in mind that everyone is trying to get somewhere, and RFPD’s priority is to ensure everyone gets there safely. Please drive carefully around the schools and be respectful and courteous to pedestrians and motorists. RFPD will be out enforcing the above laws and assisting with traffic flow. If you observe any unsafe situation or driver, you can always report that to us by dialing 911 for emergencies or 708-366-7125 for non-emergencies.