Speeding Drivers in School Zones Worries Crossing Guard, Parents

SAVANNAH, Ga.—Officals are warning drivers to take it slow near schools while driving to work in the morning. If you’re in a hurry and speeding through a school zone, not only could you cause an accident, but you could also find yourself facing steep fines.

Crossing Guard Jacquelyn West said every day is a battle between her and the cars that travel by East Broad Street Elementary School. On Tuesday afternoon, she said she has had several near misses in the seven years she has worked here.

“Some just don’t care. Some don’t pay attention. They’re either on the phone or text messaging or something.  Most of the time when I’ve almost got hit, they’re on the phone,“ said West.

Parents are worried, considering so many people use this crosswalk.

“A car came through here one day doing at least 80.  She had to stand out in the street, and they almost hit her.  Afternoons it’s just as worse.  They don’t have a policeman up here to stop them,“ said Lakiesha Simmons, who has two children who attend East Broad Street Elementary.

Metro Police spokesman APO Gene Harley says they patrol every school zone, but they cannot be at each school every day.

“They look at all the schools within their precinct, and then they try to give equal amount of time to each school zone, and so obviously they’re fluctuating back and forth from the different school zones within their precincts,“ said Harley. He said officers were patrolling at East Broad Street Elementary Monday.

Police say slowing down can save you from a steep fine, and it could save a life.

“Be mindful that kids aren’t as mindful as you the driver, so they may just run out into traffic not thinking, so take a little extra time, a little extra caution,“ said Harley.

If you are caught speeding through school zones, it will cost you a pretty penny. The penalty for driving up to ten miles over the speed limit is $80 to more than $152. Driving from 11 to 20 miles over the limit will cost you $150-$250, and more than 21 miles over the limit is a mandatory court appearance and a fine set by the judge.