Drive Safely in School Zones
Are you familiar with those black, yellow and white speed zone signs in School Zones? They are a common sight and with summer coming to an end next month we will need to pay attention to them once again. Some of these signs have the posted limit (20 mph) with the times that it is in effect, and some have flashing lights that are only on when the school zone speed limits are in effect. This can also relate to extra-curricular events so don’t ignore the flashing light just because you don’t think it is during school hours.
There are also places where the road is painted with the words “School Zone” and the speed limit. The signage is all so apparent so that it is almost impossible to claim you did not know it was a School Zone. And believe it – the police will not buy that either!
Texans are pretty good about taking school zones seriously but as of Sept. 1 there is a statewide ban on the use of cell phones (unless using a hands free device) as well. Using a phone for any purpose will take attention off the road. In Texas anyone caught using a cell phone in a School Zone will face a $50 fine, but as of yet not all school zones have put up the signs. Accoding to the Texas Department of Transportation these signs are in the process of being put up state wide but since the bill was only signed in June, there has not been enough time to accomplish this. These signs each cost from $450 to $650.
Fines for speeding in a school zone vary but generally are $200 – $230 for going 1-10 miles over the limit and $325 for going more than 30 miles over the limit.
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