Park Ridge Police Department – Community Safety Message

Greetings to our Park Ridge residents and visitors on our roadways.
As your local police department, we’re glad to serve our wonderful community of roughly 9,800 residents. With fall arriving, the days are getting shorter, the leaves are turning, and cooler temperatures are on the way. We want everyone—drivers and pedestrians alike—to stay safe as we head into autumn and the winter months ahead.

Key Seasonal Hazards

• Darker days & fall foliage: Reduced daylight and colorful leaves on roadways can lower visibility and create slick spots when wet.

• Colder weather: Overnight temperatures can bring frost, black ice, or frozen precipitation. Roads that look wet may actually be icy—especially on bridges, overpasses, and shaded areas common in our area.

Safety Tips for Motorists

• Slow down and increase following distance, especially at dawn/dusk and in leafy or wet conditions.

• Use headlights earlier in the day; turn them on whenever visibility drops.

• Clear frost, ice, and leaves from windshields, mirrors, and lights before driving. Never pour hot water on frozen glass.

• Watch for black ice and reduce speed on cold mornings or after precipitation.

• Give extra room to pedestrians, cyclists, and school buses—kids are heading back to routines and leaves can hide curbs or hazards.

• Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle (blanket, flashlight, ice scraper, phone charger, water).

• Stay alert for deer and other wildlife more active in fall.

Safety Tips for Pedestrians

• Wear bright or reflective clothing, especially during early mornings and evenings.

• Use sidewalks and crosswalks; make eye contact with drivers before crossing.

• Carry a flashlight or use your phone light when walking in low light.

• Be extra cautious on leafy, wet, or potentially icy sidewalks and roadsides—assume surfaces may be slippery.

• Walk facing traffic if no sidewalk is available, and stay visible.

Winter will be here before we know it, so now is the perfect time to check tires, battery, wipers, and antifreeze, and to review these habits.

Thank you for helping keep Park Springs safe. If you see a roadway hazard, suspicious activity, or need non-emergency assistance, contact us through our non-emergency line or local channels. In an emergency, always dial 911.

Drive carefully, walk wisely, and enjoy the beautiful fall season in Park Ridge!

Officer Presence

Our officers will be out and about in the community, enforcing traffic laws and providing safety tips. We're committed to keeping our community safe and will be proactive in addressing any safety concerns. If you see something, say something! Report any suspicious activity or safety concerns to us at 201-391-5400 or online at https://www.parkridgepolice.com

Sincerely,

Joseph Rampolla

Chief of Police   

Stay safe and vigilant, The Park Ridge Police Department