New signs call on motorists to hang up in school zones

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A sign prohibiting cell-phone use around Lincoln Middle School in Park Ridge was installed Feb. 9 on Western Avenue. | Jennifer Johnson~Sun-Times Media

Updated: March 17, 2012 8:12AM

A ban on cell-phone use in school zones has been a state law for more than two years now, but it apparently hasn’t convinced all drivers to hang up.

With the belief that motorists may just need additional, visual reminders, the Park Ridge Police Department has commissioned “no cell phone” signs for school zones across the city. The Park Ridge Public Works Department recently affixed the white signs with red lettering to school-zone speed signs within the immediate areas of all public and private schools.

“People on their phones are so distracted,” said Park Ridge Police Officer Laura Kappler. “They don’t see the kids at the crosswalks.”

The Illinois law concerning cell phones prohibits the use of wireless phones in school zones and construction zones, unless the phone is used in “a voice-activated mode.”

Texting while driving is prohibited on all roadways.

Though Park Ridge schools frequently remind parents of the law — in biweekly newsletters, for example — cell-phone use remains a problem on school roadways, according to Park Ridge Police Lt. Duane Mellema.

“There are still people who drive and talk on their phone and they’re not supposed to,” he said.

Though there have not been any reports of children being injured outside their schools due to distracted drivers, “the potential is always there,” Mellema said.

Many motorists, Kappler believes, are just unaware of the cell-phone law.

“There are many laws, but this is very important because it has to do with the safety of kids going back and forth (to school),” she said.