The Estill Springs Police Department has received several inquiries regarding the speed cameras on Rock Creek Road in the school zone. Callers are requesting information on these cameras' operating hours and enforcement schedules.
The speed cameras operated under a 30-day warning period from October 14th to November 12th, 2024, during which 974 warning violations were issued. Clear signage is posted along the road, indicating that "Traffic Violations are Photo Enforced" and displaying the applicable speed limits.
It is evident that Rock Creek Road experiences a significant issue with speeding, and many drivers disregard the posted speed limits. While Tennessee Code Annotated (TCA) 55-8-198, which governs citations based on unmanned traffic enforcement cameras, does not explicitly outline the operational hours of these cameras, it does grant the authority to enforce speed violations 24 hours a day while school is in session. This ensures the safety of residents living near the school zone. Note: This is subject to change, for example (Summer School, Lunch Program, Special Functions, etc.).
The primary goal of the speed cameras is to reduce speeding and enhance the safety of schoolchildren, school staff, parents, and neighboring residents. Cameras will identify non-compliant motorists traveling 11 mph or more over the posted speed limit of 15 mph. The photo speed cameras will be active at all times. The school zone speed limit will be enforced on days that school is in session when children are present, and when the school zone beacons are flashing. On days when school is not in session, or children are not present, the local speed limit will be enforced, which is 35 mph.
We know that speed kills. National statistics show that a child struck by a vehicle traveling 40 mph has only a one in ten chance of survival. However, if that vehicle slows to 20 mph, the child's survival rate increases dramatically to nine in ten.
Speeding is also a primary contributing factor in motor vehicle crashes resulting in personal injury and death. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 64% of child pedestrians killed in traffic crashes occurred during the weekday, from 6 a.m. Monday to 6 p.m. Friday (NHTSA Traffic Safety Facts).
The Estill Springs Police Department appreciates your understanding and support as they work to protect our community.
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