On behalf of the Geneva Police Department, I hope that you enjoyed your summer. It is hard to believe, but the 2021-22 school year has officially begun. This school year will require all of us to be patient and flexible as we navigate the many challenges and opportunities that we will face as a community.

With that first school bell set to ring Aug. 18, this is a good time to review some traffic safety reminders.

As school buses begin to pick up and drop off our children, please remember that you are required to stop for a school bus if the red flashing lights and stop signs are activated.

If you are driving through an identified school zone, the speed limit is 20 mph on school days when children are present. This speed limit is in place to keep children and school crossing guards safe.

Speaking of our crossing guards, they are extremely dedicated to assuring all of our children are able to safely cross the roadways. Each school year, we receive reports of motorists disregarding the school crossing guards or speeding through the school crossings. Please slow down through these areas. The extra few minutes that you might save are not worth compromising the safety of pedestrians.

Last but not least, please remember it is illegal in Illinois to text or talk on a cell phone while you are driving unless you are using a hands-free option. This law is designed to have drivers focus their attention on the roadway.

I sincerely hope these basic reminders help keep us all safe during our daily travels. The Geneva Police Department will have a regular and visible presence around all of our school facilities each and every day. By working together, we can keep our students, parents, school staff, our school crossing guards, and motorists safe.

Thank you for reading and please stay safe.

Eric Passarelli

Police Chief