Police Join Citywide Effort To Crack Down On School Zone Violators
By: Brendaliss Gonzalez
Updated: January 16, 2013
It's one line you don't want to cross.
At least if you're speeding or using your cell phone.
Not only do you run the risk of getting a ticket, you may be putting thousands of children's safety at risk.
"It's almost organized chaos and I hate to say it, but children don't look before they leap," said Cynthia Smith, the principal at Thomas Elem.
That's 20,000 children around Abilene schools to exact.
Smith knows of at least 600 that she wants to protect.
She joined police and city workers in their effort to remind drivers to slow down and hang up the phone.
"It's just good to have those reminders from time to time," she said.
You could be charged hundreds of dollars if you're caught using your phone beyond a school zone sign and police are no longer just parking near a schools to catch you.
They're driving around to get an extra close look if you're speeding.
"And by moving like this I feel like it gives me a greater opportunity to see cell phone violators as well," said Scooter Thompson, who works at the traffic division for the Abilene Police Dept. (APD).
There hasn't been a school zone related tragedy in about nine years, but abilene police say thats more reason for them to warn drivers.
"I think at times when nothing occurs at school zones that's of news nature it becomes kind of at the back of everybody s mind or in the back seat," said Doug Wrenn, Asst. Chief of Police for APD.
Some parents can even vouch for that.
"It's one thing when you're parked but when your around a school you know you have to be more mindful of that," said Christine Kraft, whose son goes to Thomas Elementary.
So if you're planning on entering "Thomasville" school population 600 or any other school zone, beware of the blinking lights, but mostly of the thousands of children who are crossing beyond them.
At least if you're speeding or using your cell phone.
Not only do you run the risk of getting a ticket, you may be putting thousands of children's safety at risk.
"It's almost organized chaos and I hate to say it, but children don't look before they leap," said Cynthia Smith, the principal at Thomas Elem.
That's 20,000 children around Abilene schools to exact.
Smith knows of at least 600 that she wants to protect.
She joined police and city workers in their effort to remind drivers to slow down and hang up the phone.
"It's just good to have those reminders from time to time," she said.
You could be charged hundreds of dollars if you're caught using your phone beyond a school zone sign and police are no longer just parking near a schools to catch you.
They're driving around to get an extra close look if you're speeding.
"And by moving like this I feel like it gives me a greater opportunity to see cell phone violators as well," said Scooter Thompson, who works at the traffic division for the Abilene Police Dept. (APD).
There hasn't been a school zone related tragedy in about nine years, but abilene police say thats more reason for them to warn drivers.
"I think at times when nothing occurs at school zones that's of news nature it becomes kind of at the back of everybody s mind or in the back seat," said Doug Wrenn, Asst. Chief of Police for APD.
Some parents can even vouch for that.
"It's one thing when you're parked but when your around a school you know you have to be more mindful of that," said Christine Kraft, whose son goes to Thomas Elementary.
So if you're planning on entering "Thomasville" school population 600 or any other school zone, beware of the blinking lights, but mostly of the thousands of children who are crossing beyond them.
