Story posted Thursday, February 18, 2010
Further Study Of White Pine-Bernard Traffic Ahead
A presentation was recently given to Buffalo Grove trustees on what occurred in 2009 regarding traffic issues and achievements and what can be expected in 2010.
In 2000, the village established a Traffic Management Committee. The panel meets on an as-needed basis to discuss public concerns relating to traffic management concerns or questions, and initiatives in an effort to reduce speed, minimize crashes, and improve safety.
Within the first quarter each year, the committee presents its annual report to the village board. Here are some highlights on the report:
In regards to the intersection of White Pine and Bernard, on two occasions last year, the committee reviewed the area in consideration of a stop sign on Bernard. The location did not meet standards set by the Illinois Dept. of Transportation (IDOT) and Federal Highway Administration (FHA).
Following a staff report and direction from the village board in December, the area will be reviewed again in the future.
The police department is compiling a 10-year crash review in the White Pine-Bernard neighborhood. It will place the Speed Monitoring Awareness Radar Trailer (SMART), which will monitor the number of vehicles and speed in which they are traveling along Bernard at White Pine.
Findings, a report, and recommendation to the village board will come at a later date.
Ongoing and new programs designed to promote education of the speed limits and traffic rules include:
* SMART- The SMART trailer is placed at select locations as weather permits as part of an education, promotion and engineering initiative. The unit helps promote speed awareness, assists in obtaining voluntary compliance, and provides traffic enforcement and engineering data. It has the ability to provide lane closure and construction alert information on the display screen.
* Presentations to community groups - Throughout the year, members of the police department's Traffic Unit conduct safety presentations to community groups on the subject of traffic concern and safety.
* Bike Rodeo - The Rodeo is held at Busch Grove Park by the police department. The Rodeo provides participants with hands on safety instruction of bike riding techniques, hand signals, and driving skills.
* Seat belt safety coloring and poster contests - Officers work closely with local grade schools to coordinate coloring and poster contests during the springtime and Thanksgiving holiday. The contests run in conjunction with the ABC Mobilization and "Buckle Up Buffalo Grove Week."
* Bike with a Cop - This program is held in the summer, and enables individuals and families to "bike with a cop" to learn about bicycle and road safety, as well as general police operations.
* Good Bike Rider program - In 2009, the police Traffic Unit arranged to have a truck at the National Night Out event. Information was provided to attendees regarding driving safe around semi-trucks and staying out of blind spots.
* Best of the Best - The police department's Traffic Unit has been recognized with state and national awards over the years for their work to enforce laws and educate the public about occupant protection, impaired driving and speed enforcement. In 2009, the department was honored by the National Association of Chiefs of Police with the first place award for their traffic safety programs that combine officer training, public information, and enforcement to reduce crashes and injuries.
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