SAPD Cracks Down on School Zone Violations

SAN ANGELO, TX-- (SAPD Press Release) Yesterday, the San Angelo Police Department’s Traffic Section conducted a School Zone Traffic Enforcement Operation utilizing LIDAR in the 1700 block of Edmund Boulevard, which is a leading complaint zone for the city.

Police issued a total of 49 citations during the operation.  The highest speed recorded from a violator before the school zone was active was 47 MPH.  The highest speed recorded from a violator after the school zone became active was 43 MPH.  The posted speed limit along the location is 30 MPH.  Once the school zone becomes active, the speed limit is reduced to 20 MPH.  

Breakdown for citations:

    Passing School Bus While Stop Sign Activated: 2

Driving While License Invalid: 3

Speeding in a School Zone: 17

Other/Misc. Violations: 10

No Insurance: 3

No Seat Belt: 1

Speeding: 13

Warnings: 9

All children should be able to walk or bike to and from class without fear of being hit by passing vehicles.  School zones are put in place to ensure the safety of children in and around schools.  

Tips for driving in and around school zones:

1. Recognize School Zones: Almost all school zones are preceded by numerous warning signs, flashing lights, and/or speed bumps.  Keep your eyes on the road and your mind on the task at hand at all times.

2. Reduce your speed: Be aware of an upcoming school zone so that you have time to safely reduce your speed without slamming on the brakes at the last minute.

3. Expect Increased Traffic: Expect increased traffic in and around school zones, especially between seven and nine in the morning and two and four in the afternoon.  Drive slowly and carefully during these times to keep students and parents safe.

4. Lookout for Buses: Yield right of way to buses at all times.  Make sure that you stop when their stop sign is deployed. 

5. Obey crossing guards, traffic officers, and law enforcement.

6.  

Nothing is more precious than the life of a child.  The San Angelo Police Department is urging drivers to slow down, pay attention, and ensure the safety of students as they travel to and from school.