Road construction safety in Rockford

Staff Report

The City of Rockford and the Illinois Department of Transportation are planning several road construction projects in Rockford this year. The Rockford Police Department would like to remind the citizens of the need to drive safely in these construction areas. Drivers should be aware that cell phone usage while in a construction or school zone is illegal in the state of Illinois. The following laws will be monitored closely by the Rockford Police.

625 ILCS 5/11-907(c)—Scott’s Law: While approaching a stationary authorized emergency vehicle: 1) Proceed with due caution; 2) Change lanes if possible; 3) Reduce your speed.

625 ILCS 12-610—Cell phone use prohibited

625 ILCS 11-601—Speed violations in construction zones

625 ILCS 12-603—Safety belt and child safety seat violations

Violation of construction zone speed limits can result in a minimum fine of $375. Violation of Scott’s law could result in fines up to $10,000, a suspension of driving privileges of 90 days to two years and possible imprisonment.

The Rockford Police Department urges everyone to protect the road construction and safety workers. Slow down, refrain from cell phone use and drive safely through this construction season.

From the April 27-May 3, 2011 issue