Whiteside County Sheriff Urges Safety as School Year Starts

UPDATE: As students across Whiteside County return to school, Sheriff John F. Booker is urging the community to prioritize child safety. With the school year kicking off, drivers, parents, and residents must take immediate action to ensure children’s safety on their way to and from school.

In a heartfelt message, Sheriff Booker emphasized that our children are our most precious resource. “It’s everyone’s responsibility to help them get to and from school safely,” he stated. The sheriff’s office will increase its presence in school zones during the first weeks of school to help enforce safety measures.

Drivers are reminded to slow down and obey posted school-zone speed limits. It is crucial to stop for school buses when red lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended—a legal requirement that must be followed. “Watch for children walking or biking to school, especially in neighborhoods and near schools,” Sheriff Booker added.

Parents and students are urged to utilize crosswalks and obey crossing guards. Children riding bikes should always wear helmets and adhere to traffic rules. Sheriff Booker cautioned, “Remind children never to walk behind a bus and to wait for the driver’s signal before crossing the street.”

The start of the school year is a critical time for community vigilance. Sheriff Booker’s message serves as a reminder that safety is a shared responsibility. By taking extra precautions now, the community can ensure a safe environment for children as they embark on a new academic year.

With the new school year just underway, residents are encouraged to remain alert and proactive. Together, we can make sure that the school year starts off right by putting safety first. Please take the extra time to protect our kids.