Is there an exception in the State seat belt law for vehicles operated in parades? On public roadways? No one I've spoken with knows of any exception.In this McHenry County Sheriff's Department squad car being driven by Sheriff Keith Nygren, you can see that he is wearing his seat belt. But it certainly looks like the two children in the back seat are not wearing theirs. They appear to be of a size that requires either a booster seat or at least to be strapped down with the backseat belt. But you can see the child in the left rear seat hanging on the glass of the half-open window, and the child in the right rear seat appears to be standing and leaning out through the open window. (To enlarge the picture, click on it; then click on the Back button on your browser tocome back here.)
In other vehicles in this year's Crystal Lake 4th of July Parade, occupants were sitting on the rear seat back of convertibles. Of course, until January 1, 2012, rear seat passengers are not required to be belted in, but aren't they required to sit in seats and not on the seatback?
General Orders of the Sheriff's Department may require that a patrol car be occupied only by law enforcement officers. The deputy is not to haul family members and friends around with him in the squad car. Part of the reason must be the liability issue. Is the Sheriff himself subject to the General Orders of the Department? In past years Nygren has been chauffeured around in private vehicles, while deputies drove squad cars or operated motorcycles - not this year in Crystal Lake.
2 comments:
Hi, Gus, as the executive director of The Parents Resource Network, I am deeply concerned about seat belt laws not being followed by the adult in charge. The responsibility of keeping the children safe belongs to the adult. And, of course that would include the children in the back seat of the car the Sheriff is driving in the parade. The Illinois rules regarding who must be in a proper child restraint can be found at The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety website: www.iihs.org/laws/mapchildrestraintagerequirements.aspx
With all due respect Gus, and I do respect you, however, I think we need to look at this situation from a 100 percent "Positive" viewpoint.
I understand there are children in the back seat. Remember when we were kids, we didnt wear any seat belts so we could reach over and pull out sisters hair on those boring long road trips with the windows down, dad traveling down the interstate at 75mph while mom woud turn around and without any chance to get out of the way, "SMACK" right across the kisser we kids got a rapp across the face for asking 'Are We There Yet?"
I think these past two years have been very politically engaging with many people firmly, and with vigor, presenting their points as to why they believe their candidate is the right choice.
We also learned perhaps more about each other in this little online circle than we originally had set out to find.
It was a battle to be sure
One big sticking point for many was the fact that the Sheriff did'nt wear his Department issued uniform enough to show unity.
Another point was about the make and models of the cars candidates choose to be 'seen' riding in.
Last fall, Sheriff Nygren presented in full Uniform, at the McHenry County fair, and was caught by some shutter bug playing 'bouncy ball' with a very happy child!
The smiles on this little boys face was priceless. Additionally Sheriff Nygren spent time at the fair visiting with the 'folks' he has promised to serve and protect.
I personally felt it was a step in the right direction, I was proud of Sheriff Nygren for making the effort and I could see the voters who were able to say the had an opportunity to visit with the 'Man' himself, were pleased.
I made a comment praising the Sheriffs efforts.
The next day or so I received more ugly emails and back to cyber war we went... regretfully.
Now again, we see Sheriff Nygren making another attempt to make his detractors happy and also perhaps show he took to heart what we were asking for from him.
I think the Sheriff looks wonderful and most appropriate in Uniform, in his County Issued Police Cruiser, looking like the "Sheriff!"
Mrs Nygren smiling and having fun appears obvious, but, the little guys in the back seat, it appears there may be two youngsters, just think what this meant to them?
Something they will never forget and an appearance of 'family values' appears to be the message from Sheriff Nygren.
I highly doubt and I know many will respond the law is the law and the kids should have been in restraints, but maybe they were enjoying tossing out candy to other kids....
I know when I ran for office, my kids really enjoyed riding in the back of the Suburban, with a huge box of candy, tossing the 'treats' to other children. They still talk about what a fun time that was.
These are the good things about politics
Sheriff Nygren has a controlled ride and had blockers in front and back, so an impact type accident was near impossible.
I think given all we have been thru lately, and given the 'Good Will' message the photo shows, that we should be realistic about the chance of any injuries, and focus on the 'progress.'
Lou Bianchi also looked fabulous in the paradge.
I think sometimes we need to keep things in realistic perspective, and let things roll without need for words.
As they say, a picture is worth a thousand words.
It's time for a healing, and it has to start sometime, somewhere.
How about right here and right now?
Thank you Gus.
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