When the new school year opens Wednesday in Rock Island, it'll be a busy day, not just for children and parents but also for the police department.
Deputy Chief Jason Foy says every year at this time his department has to work hard to re-educate everyone after several months off for summer vacation. Children have to be reminded to cross the street only in crosswalks, and drivers have to be reminded to look out for children, and to slow down in school zones.
Officers will try to be "visible" throughout the school district.
Foy wants to remind everyone that Illinois law prohibits texting or talking on cell phones while driving.
The speed limit in school zone, when children are present, is 20 miles per hour. Drivers also have to stop for school buses when they are loading or unloading students, and bus drivers can report violators.
