Corporal Kris Mayer, from the Traffic Unit, says the speed limit in school zones is just 25 miles per hour, and it's in effect from 7 am until 5 pm.
"Most kids run through streets, run across streets, as much as we preach to them, and if you're driving slower there's a better chance that you'll see them. Because the last thing we want to do as investigators at the police department is explain to a parent that their kid was hit by a car because the kid just ran out into the street and it's happened numerous times in Davenport and it's always a tragedy."
He says besides speeding, the most common cause of accidents is distracted driving, whether it's because of food, the radio, or their cell phone.
The department's School Liaison, Sergeant James Quick, says parents, especially those with young children, should warn their kids about "stranger danger."
"Talk to them before school starts so they're aware that if they're approached by anybody, unless it's somebody they know, do not get in the car with any body they do not know. And make sure you coordinate with the school people who are allowed to pick up your child after school."
He also advises parents to have their children memorize their parents' names, phone number, and the name of another trusted adult who could be contacted in case of emergency.
