Last week, area law enforcement agencies participated in Illinois Speed Awareness Day, bringing awareness to anti-speeding efforts and the dangers of speeding. 

Monticello Police Chief Rob Bross told the Hart Media Group that the purpose of Speed Awareness Day is not just to give police an opportunity to write tickets. It is to let drivers know that speeding and reckless driving can kill. 

Chief Bross often sees drivers coming into the community too quickly off of rural highways, especially after the speed limit on Bridge Street was lowered. He adds that speeding is even more of a problem in the community when school is in session, and students and their parents are walking to and from the buildings. 

A woman was recently struck by a car while utilizing a pedestrian crosswalk in Monticello. She survived; however, Chief Bross says it is avoidable accidents like this that happen all too often, and emphasizes that pedestrians always have the right of way. 

Alongside controlling your speed, Chief Bross urges drivers to remain alert while behind the wheel and to always wear a seatbelt.