Parent shares concerns with 11 News about drivers speeding through school zones

Meghanne Williams’ first-grade son attends Soaring Eagles Elementary School, and every day she takes him to school, she said she sees people speeding through the school zone.

“I’ve been cut off quite a few times by people,” Williams said. “People like to follow me really close behind because I’m not going fast. Obviously, I’m driving the speed limit because it’s the school zone.”

But not everyone sticks to the 20 mph speed limit in school zones as well as Williams does.

11 News Reporter Jenna Middaugh took the station’s speed gun out to the corner of Hancock Expressway and Harrier Ridge Drive during a morning commute. She caught drivers going nearly double the 20 mph limit.

“I think it does highlight that we have a problem communitywide, statewide, nationwide, really, and we need to address it,” said Christine O’Brien, Harrison School District 2’s public information officer.

The Colorado Springs Police Department said it gave out about 2,500 tickets to drivers speeding through school zones last year.

“Whenever we’re dealing with our kids, it’s so important,” said Lt. Howard Black with the Colorado Springs Police Department.

He said officers try to patrol school zones as often as they can, but they can’t be everywhere all the time.

“It isn’t a police issue. It’s not a school district issue. This is a community issue, and when we get into these school zones, it’s up to us when we’re driving motor vehicles to ensure that we’re paying attention when we’re in those zones,” Black said.

Williams told 11 News she just wants drivers to slow down.

“I just want all kids to be safe,” she said. “I see it all the time. I’ve seen kids almost hit at the school. Thankfully no one actually has been, but if it doesn’t get taken care of, it’s gonna happen.”