Shorewood campaign aims for safer drivers

SHOREWOOD -- Police hope drivers can recognize the signs as they're traveling down residential streets.

"Nearly all residential areas (in the country) have a speed limit of 25 miles per hour in residential neighborhoods," Cmdr. Eric Allen said. "But we can always use more awareness of safety."

The village recently adopted the "Keep Kids Alive -- Drive 25" campaign and got 50 yard signs that will be put up in areas at the resident's request.

"The idea is to get the whole community involved," Allen said.

Initially the signs will be up in the Hunt Club and on South Raven Road.

"We needed $650 to get started. The Troy Fire Department volunteers covered half and the Hunt Club subdivision paid the other half," Allen said. "Village Trustees Gary Fitzgerald and Lea Starr pushed this program pretty hard."

The campaign was the theme of the village's float in the Crossroads parade earlier this year.

"We also want to make the public aware of our resident radar program," Allen said. Interested residents can borrow a radar gun from the police department and keep track of passing drivers who may be going too fast.

"That information will be turned over to us and the owners of those vehicles will be sent a letter requesting that they slow down," Allen said, adding officers will also be looking for violators as part of their regular patrol duties.

Anyone who would like more information can contact Allen at 815-725-1460.