Police increase school zone enforcement in Colorado Springs

Many students are heading back to school this week, and police want drivers to drive safely through school zones.

Colorado Springs police are increasing the amount of officers on patrol near school zones before and after school hours.

“There is very strict enforcement, double fines and mandatory court appearance for a school zone violation,” said Sgt. Lance Lazoff. “Somebody that’s 10 mph over the speed limit, you’re probably looking at a minimum of a $200 ticket.”

Classes started Monday at Academy District 20 schools. Crosswalks outside Mountain View Elementary were packed as families walked their kids to class.

“People drive through all at a higher rate of speed than 20 (mph),” said Neil Cunningham, the parent of a fifth grade student. “I think it would be better to be a little bit late to work or to an appointment and feel the heat from that than possibly have something tragic happen.”

District 20 has a crossing guard program to help pedestrians safely cross the street.

“Safety is very important here,” said Brian Grady, the district 20 executive director for security and transportation. “Before they step off the curb, we ask that they make eye contact with the driver so they make sure the driver sees them and knows that they are going to use the crosswalk to get to school.”

Police said they are cracking down on drivers who break the law in school zones.

“Most people associate a school zone violation with speed. However, it could be distracted driving. It could be a number of other violations,” Lazoff said.

Parents said they hope enforcement will encourage drivers to slow down and look out for pedestrians.

“If someone were to lose their child for the carelessness of one other person, it would be devastating for both families,” Cunningham said.