With the new school year now underway, Oak Park police are urging motorists to stay alert — especially when driving in school zones. Motorists need to be focused and avoid distractions like talking on cell phones, police say, as well as come to a complete stop at intersections and not block crosswalks. Drivers also must obey the signals of crossing guards and should never attempt to pass a stopped school bus with lights flashing. To protect the many students who typically trek along Oak Park streets to their neighborhood schools, police have stepped up their presence with additional enforcement efforts at key crossings and along walking routes. For more information about Oak Park Police Department school programs, call 708.386.3800 or email police@oak-park.us.