A recent traffic study conducted in the Rock Creek Elementary School area of Franklin County, Tennessee, has raised alarms about drivers consistently exceeding the speed limit. In response, the Franklin County Police Department has taken action by installing automated cameras to monitor speeding vehicles in the school zone.
Police Chief Matt Baker announced that the automated cameras will become operational starting Monday. Initially, warning citations will be issued for a month to drivers caught speeding in the school zone. Subsequently, fines will be imposed for those exceeding the 15 mph speed limit during school hours, effective from November 13.
Chief Baker stressed that the primary goal of the program is to increase awareness among drivers about the potential dangers of speeding in school zones. The fine for speeding in the school zone will be $50, with no additional court costs, unlike in Estill Springs, where court costs amount to $153.50, resulting in a total penalty of $203.50 when combined with the $50 fine.
Motivated by Child Safety
The decision to implement the automated camera program stems from the commitment to safeguarding children's lives. Chief Baker underscored the importance of changing driver behavior, reducing speeding, and ensuring the safety of children in school zones and the wider community. He urged all drivers to exercise caution and responsibility on the roads.
Study Findings and Concerns
A traffic study conducted by Blue Line Solutions LLC in May 2023 revealed a significant issue with speeding in the Rock Creek school zone, with 619 violations detected in just five days. The study aimed to eliminate crashes, injuries, and fatalities in school zones through education-focused measures rather than strict penalties.
Statistics from the study indicated that out of 5,450 vehicles passing through the Rock Creek school zone in a week, 619 exceeded the speed limit by various margins. Chief Baker expressed concern over the high number of speeders and their excessive speeds, highlighting the potential threat to the safety of young community members.
Enhancing Safety Through Education and Enforcement
Citing national data, Chief Baker emphasized the deadly consequences of speeding, particularly in school zones. The ultimate aim of the program is to enhance safety for students, parents, teachers, and the public in the Rock Creek Elementary School zone by combining education, warnings, and enforcement measures.
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