FRANKLIN, Tenn. (WTVF) — The school year is off to a busy start, and Franklin Police say they’re already seeing too many unsafe drivers in school zones.
In just the first two weeks of school, Franklin officers made nearly 50 traffic stops in school zones.
Officer Domenico Buffa said school safety doesn't end when students leave the building. When school lets out, the streets become busy with students crossing roads, crossing guards directing traffic and buses taking kids home.
"We're out here trying to enforce and keep these kids safe," Buffa said.
Officials say the violations include speeding, drivers using their phones despite Tennessee’s hands-free law and even improper passing.
"A lot of our summonses were from speeding. They were for seat belts. They were for distracted driving and for improper passing," Buffa said.
Officers say these aren’t just technical violations; every infraction puts children, parents and teachers at risk.
Officers emphasize that when school zone lights are activated, the speed limit drops to 20 mph.
"When those lights are on, our school zone here drops down to a 20-mile-an-hour zone. A lot of people don't realize that, so pay attention to your speed," Buffa said.
They’re sharing the numbers not to call out drivers but to send a reminder that school zones are sacred spaces.
"Just pay attention, because, like our school zone here, there's multiple crosswalks, so that means that many kids are going across that roadway," Buffa said.
If you drive past a school in the area, they're asking you to slow down, put your phone away and stay alert. Officers say just a few extra seconds of patience behind the wheel could prevent a tragedy.
"We want to keep everybody safe, so we are doing our best, and with all the resources that we have to keep our kids and the community's kids safe," Buffa said.
Franklin Police plan to keep a strong presence in school zones throughout the year, hoping drivers will think twice before breaking the law.
Do you have more information about this story? You can email me at amelia.young@newschannel5.com.
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