Safety First in School Crossing Zones

The start of the school year is a time of "safety first" driving in and around school safety zones.

Effingham Unit 40 schools in partnership with the City of Effingham and St. Anthony Grade School employ school crossing guards at West Side School along Fayette Avenue, South Side School along Wabash Avenue and along Fourth Street, and St. Anthony Grade School along Third Street. Central School Assistant Principal Todd Schuette, who is serving as Unit 40's Crossing Guard Coordinator, said in past years, there've been numerous problems with motorists running the crossing guards' stop signs, speeding in the posted 20MPH school crossing zones, use of cell phones, and passing stopped vehicles in the right lanes of traffic. Schuette said the biggest ongoing problems are motorists speeding in the posted 20MPH school crossing zones and cell phone usage.

Schuette said the speed limit is in effect in the zones from 7am to 4pm each day school is in session when children are present, and cell phone usage is illegal in school zones. He said city and school officials are concerned about the safety of children and their employees.

Effingham City Police say they plan to issue tickets to motorists disregarding school guards' directions, cell phone usage, and speeding in the school zones. There will be additional patroling efforts by the police department in the various school zones during morning and afternoon hours.

Illinois State Police have added that motorists should be mindful of school buses when they are making stops. Violations can result in hefty fines.

Motorists must stop for red flashing lights when stop arms are extended, whether driving behind a bus or coming toward a bus on an undivided road.

If the roadway is divided, that is two lanes in each direction, motorists traveling in the same direction as the bus must stop.