The Traffic Division is comprised of one full-time officer and is coordinated by a Sergeant.  The Traffic Division works ever diligently to ensure the motoring public is as safe as can be. The Traffic Division is responsible for enforcement of the Illinois Vehicle Code, various public education programs, traffic crash investigation, traffic studies requested by the Mayor and/or Aldermen, school crossing guard program, police vehicle service management, and the administration of various equipment grants. The Traffic Division also works special events such as parades, City fireworks display, amphitheater events, and any other special event deemed necessary by the Chief of Police. Traffic officers typically receive substantial training in advanced areas of traffic crash investigation.

CAR SEAT SAFETY

Age/Weight

Seat Type/Position

Usage Tips

Birth
to at least 1 year
and at least 20 lbs.
Infant-Only Seat/rear-facing or Convertible Seat/used rear-facing.

Seats should be secured to the vehicle by the safety belts or by the LATCH system.

* Never use in a front seat where an airbag is present.
* Tightly install a child seat in the rear seat, facing the rear.
* Child seat should recline at approximately a 45-degree angle.
* Harness straps/slots at or below shoulder level (lower set of slots for most convertible child safety seats).
* Harness straps snug on child; harness clip at armpit level.

Less than 1 year/ 20-35 lbs. Convertible Seat/used rear-facing (select one recommended for heavier infants).

Seats should be secured to the vehicle by the safety belts or by the LATCH system.

* Never use in a front seat where an airbag is present.
* Tightly install a child seat in the rear seat, facing the rear.
* Child seat should recline at approximately a 45-degree angle.
* Harness straps/slots at or below shoulder level (lower set of slots for most convertible child safety seats).
* Harness straps snug on child; harness clip at armpit level.

1 to 4 years/ at least 20 lbs. to approximately 40 lbs. Convertible Seat/forward-facing or Forward-Facing Only or High Back Booster/Harness.

Seats should be secured to the vehicle by the safety belts or by the LATCH system.

* Tightly install a child seat in the rear seat, facing forward.
* Harness straps/slots at or above child’s shoulders (usually a top set of slots for convertible child safety seats).
* Harness straps snug on child; harness clip at armpit level.

4 to at least 8 years/unless they are 4’9″ (57″) tall. Belt-Positioning Booster (no back, only) or High Back Belt-Positioning Booster.

NEVER use with lap-only belts—belt-positioning boosters are always used with lap AND shoulder belts.

* Booster used with adult lap and shoulder belt in a rear seat.
* Shoulder belt should rest snugly across the chest, rests on the shoulder; and should NEVER be placed under the arm or behind the back.
* Lap-belt should rest low, across the lap/upper thigh area—not across the stomach.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)