Village Deal to Help D157-C Stop Drivers Using Cell Phones

An agreement approved by the on Monday between and the village looks to crack down on drivers using cell phones in the district's school parking areas.

The district approached the about the problem of parents on cell phones in school parking lots almost causing accidents with students, Chief John Burica said at Monday's board meeting. Initially, Burica suggested that the district work to get drivers to comply with staying off their phones, but the problem persisted, he said.

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State law makes it illegal for drivers to use their cell phones while driving on streets in school zones, but it doesn't cover private property such as school parking lots, Burica said. As part of the agreement, an ordinance would make that use illegal in the village, he said, adding that even though the department will work with the district, officers will not be at schools, handing out tickets. Instead, a district representative will fill out a form to report violators and testify against them in court, Burica said.

"I think what we do is walk a fine line," said Trustee Kevin Egan, who chairs the village's Land Use and Policy Committee, which recommended the agreement to the board. "We don't have police staff patrolling and writing a ticket every time someone is driving and using a cell phone. ... Hopefully, signage and distribution of information and comments directed at parents we'll get them to put their cell phones down."

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As far as what constitutes a violation of the cell phone-use restriction while in a school parking lot, drivers must have the engine running with the vehicle in drive or reverse while on the phone, Burica said. If the car is in park, there is no violation, even if the engine is running, he added.

New ordinances have a 30-day grace period before going into effect, and with the D157-C school year ending June 12, the district and police department won't be making a big push to spread the word to parents until the new school year. Extra signs in school parking lots will be added, and officers will work with district officials to pass out pamphlets and "put the information out there," Burica said.

"The ultimate goal is compliance, not enforcement," he added.

WHAT DO YOU THINK? Is there a problem with parents using cell phones while they're driving in the D157-C school parking lots? Take the poll and share your thoughts in the comments section.

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