Published on Wednesday, August 9, 2006
in the WESH News

Troopers Crack Down On School-Zone Speeders

ORLANDO, Fla. -- School is back in session, and police are enforcing a zero-tolerance level for speeders who can't ease off their pedals.

Troopers issued dozens of tickets on Wednesday, WESH 2 News reported.

With crosswalks packed with students, crossing guards have their hands full watching the children and the motorists.

"These people don't get paid anything," said Trooper Kim Miller of the Florida Highway Patrol. "They're out here to help these children, and they put their lives on the line when they walk out in that road and they're hoping somebody stops."

That's just one reason why troopers are cracking down.

The FHP Motorcycle Unit was right off of Woodbury Road clocking speeders who raced through school zones, and the motorists kept officers busy.

Most violators were people who many would think should know better, such as parents and even a former crossing guard.

"I know the speed limits, and I know what they did," said Mathew DiFury, a driver and former crossing guard. "They don't do anything except give out speeding tickets."

"Schools come back in this week, and we want drivers to realize that they need to change their driving habits," Miller said.

So from now until June, it's the children who have the right of way heading to school by foot or bike.

Fines are doubled for anyone caught speeding in a school zone. Tickets begin at $100 and can go as high as $550.