Rockford police target cell phone usage in school zones

Online Staff Report

Rockford police issued 11 citations Nov. 27 after conducting compliance checks near Auburn High School and Whitehead School targeted at drivers using cell phones in school zones.

Cell phone usage is prohibited in school zones. This law is in place to help ensure the safety of the children and the school employees within these zones.

In August 2011, Rockford police set out to educate drivers about the dangers of cell phone usage while driving in school zones. Verbal warnings were issued to violators. The local news media assisted in the efforts by printing and airing the information to the public.

Officers are now checking the school zones and construction zones for driver compliance regularly.

Nov. 27, officers issued the following citations in the 500 to 600 block of Pierpont Avenue near Auburn High School:

Cell phone use in a school zone: Four citations

Uninsured motor vehicle: Two citations

Suspended driver’s license: One citation

Speeding: One citation

The following citations were issued at 2300 Ohio Pkwy., around Whitehead School:

Cell phone use in a school zone: Two citations

Speeding: One citation

According to the Illinois Vehicle code in 625 ILCS 5/12-610.1:

1. No cell phone use is permitted in a school speed zone.

2. A person under the age of 19 who holds an instruction permit or

3. a person who holds a graduated drivers license may not use a cell phone while driving at any time other than during an emergency to call for assistance.

Posted Nov. 27, 2012