School zone, cell phones don't mix
By Chris Johnson - Reporter
Motorists in Oregon had better stay off their cell phones when driving in a school zone.
Oregon Police Chief Darin DeHaan issued a press release Tuesday stating that the Oregon Police Department will be looking for offenders of the new wireless telephone law which restricts the use of a wireless telephone in posted school zones.
“My officers will begin saturated patrols around the school zone looking for violations of this law, and various other violations, as a result of distracted driving,” said Oregon Police Chief Darin DeHaan. “It is one of our many priorities to make sure children and others can safely traverse in the school zones and I hope that our presence has an immediate effect on distracted drivers.”
The law, 625 ILCS 5/12-610.1 Wireless Telephones, went into effect on Jan. 1.
The new law states: “A person, regardless of age, may not use a wireless telephone at any time while operating a motor vehicle on a roadway in a school speed zone established under Section 11-605, or on a highway in a construction or maintenance speed zone established under Section 11-605.1.”
“The City of Oregon has hundreds of students, parents, teachers, and school staff walking and commuting to and from our schools,” said DeHaan. “Their safety is of the utmost importance to us. We have seen the effects of distracted drivers on cell phones, not seeing crossing guard commands, rolling stop signs, and failure to yield at intersections.”
In the school zones in Oregon, DeHann said the crossing guards are directing traffic and motorists need to pay attention.
Any driver who is caught violating the law may face a $75 citation.
Using a hands-free device, such as a bluetooth headset, is allowed under the law, but DeHaan says drivers should limit any phone conversations in school zones.
Drivers under age 19 with a graduated license may not use a phone, even hands-free, while driving anywhere in Illinois.
“Drivers do not need distractions,” he said. “The first reaction drivers have is to grab the phone when they hear it ring. There will be a transition period. The big thing is trying to have drivers comply with all school zone laws.”
For more information on the law, contact the Oregon Police Department at 815-732-2803.
