With warm weather finally arriving, there will be a noted increase in the number of vehicles and pedestrians out and about. This is a good time to remind everyone that April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month.

While texting behind the wheel tops the list of distractions, other actions can prove to be just as unsafe. These actions include setting your navigation system while driving, changing radio stations, drinking coffee, eating, applying makeup, dealing with children, and more. If you are driving distracted, you are depriving yourself of important seconds that may be needed to avoid a close call or a serious accident.

Some basic steps that you can take to avoid being distracted while you drive include:

• If you need to send or read a text, pull over and park your car to do so.
• Designate your passenger as your “designated texter.” Allow them to respond to calls and text messages for you.
• Do not scroll through social media while driving.
• Cell phone use while driving can be a difficult habit to break. If this is a challenge for you, consider placing your phone in the trunk, glovebox, or backseat until you arrive at your destination.
• If there is a situation inside your vehicle taking your attention from the roadway, find a safe location to pull over and address the situation.

We also have seen a noted increase in the number of speeding complaints on our roadways. It is important to remember the posted speed limit in most Geneva residential neighborhoods is 25 mph. Please assist us in keeping our neighborhoods safe by adhering to the posted speed limits.

Lastly, we have recently received some complaints about drivers disregarding the traffic control efforts of our school crossing guards. Please remember school zone speed limit is 20 mph on school days when children are present. You must stop for the crossing guards’ hand-held stop sign as well.

Officers will be out on patrol, focusing on distracted driving violations, speeding violations, and school zone safety. Our goal, with your cooperation, is to reduce the number of serious and fatal accidents caused by those driving distracted and at excessive speeds.

Thank you and please be safe.

Eric Passarelli

Police Chief