In the Zone: Getting Ready for the School Year

August 14, 2009

By Brian Heap (WICHITA, Kan.)

Monday is the first day of the 2009-2010 public school year across Wichita and many other Kansas communities.

And the return of school means the Eyewitness News "In the Zone" team is putting fresh batteries in the radar gun and hitting the streets to keep your kids safe.

Last year, our team generated some buzz in the community with its effort to check speeds in school zones and encourage drivers to obey the law. We found that most drivers keep their speed close to 20 miles per hour. However, we did find speeders at every location we visited. In some cases, they were going 10-15 miles per hour over the limit.

"It's our responsibility to make that a safe and secure area," said Wichita Police Captain Max Tenbrook.

The City of Wichita issued 182 tickets for speeding in school zones during the 2008-2009 school year, according to records given to us by the municipal court. That averaged approximately one ticket per school day citywide. Police believe they catch about one out of every five speeders.

"Compared to how many cars go by and how many school zones there are, you look at it that way, I think it's pretty small. I think we're doing a real good job of driving in our school zones," said Tenbrook.

Summer vacation and a lack of activity at schools can cause drivers to forget they motor through school zones every day. Often, busier streets allow drivers to go 40-45 miles per hour; well above the limit when school is in session. Tenbrook recommended drivers adjust their mindset to prepare for the new year.

"We're going to have that activity. We're going to have those children getting there. We're going to have that traffic influx, the parking concerns and traffic flow. So for one just be aware of that," he said.

Keep these tips in mind for safe driving during the school year:

Look ahead and start slowing down before you get to the school zone.
Remember, the speed limit in the school zone is 20 miles per hour.
Watch for children crossing the street, even outside the crosswalk.
Give yourself extra time, to avoid being in a hurry.

New "In the Zone" special reports begin airing this Thursday, August 20th on Eyewitness News at 5.

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