Lt. W.G. Campbell of the Bradley County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Unit and Patrol Division deputies will be working with School Resource Officers in school zones to watch for drivers who may violate driving safety laws.
“Drivers need to be especially aware of children who may step out from behind parked cars into the path of oncoming traffic,” Campbell said.
Tennessee Highway Patrol troopers will also be patrolling areas where children will be awaiting bus transportation.
“We are urging motorists to exercise caution, be alert and to slow down in school zones and around school buses,” said THP Colonel Tracy Trott. “Our state troopers will not hesitate to hand out citations, but that is not our objective. This enforcement campaign was designed to encourage everyone to practice safe driving and pedestrian habits.”
According to THP, the goal is to protect children from motorists who disregard the law, especially around school zones.
“State troopers will target traffic violators, specifically those who speed in school zones and pass stopped school buses, as well as raise awareness on school safety in Tennessee,” according to THP information.
The speed limit is posted at 15 mph while the possibility of children are present, typically during the morning and afternoon hours.
Cleveland Police Department officers will also be watching as well as city crossing guards.
“School zone enforcement is a priority for the officers of the Cleveland Police Department. We want all students to be safe at all times,” said officer Evie West, information and training officer for CPD.
THP indicated 600,000 children utilize the school bus services to travel to and from school daily. Other means such as private transportation from parents and student drivers also come into play getting children to and from school.
- A truck driver reported someone threw a bottle from an oncoming vehicle into his truck windshield, shattering it.
According to a report filed Friday by deputy Casey Kerr, Herman Enfinger said he was traveling on Dalton Pike when he was passing an oncoming car and the person in the car threw the bottle, striking the Sexton Farms truck.
Enfinger was not able to get a license tag or description of the vehicle.
Damage estimates were not available at the time of the report; however, the windshield was shattered, according to Kerr’s report.
