HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – The first day of classes for Christian County Public Schools is approaching on Aug. 18, which means increased traffic and speed limit changes around school zones. Ahead of the new year, local law enforcement is taking steps to ensure the roads are safe.

Speeding around school zones not only compromises the safety of students and motorists, but it can also result in double fines, a court appearance, or points on a driver’s record if a traffic stop is initiated.  With over a dozen public and private schools spread throughout the county, the Hopkinsville Police Department shared that some areas receive more complaints regarding speeding.

“We’ve seen an increase in speeding complaints near Heritage Christian Academy along the Bypass,” said Officer Royale Marfil with HPD. “The wide roadway may make it easier for drivers to overlook the school zone, but we encourage all motorists to remain alert and observe posted speed limits, especially in school zones.”

Deputy Chris Miller with the Christian County Sheriff’s Office told Christian County Now that they receive complaints throughout the year from every school zone regarding unsafe drivers. To combat this, they will provide increased patrols in school zones, especially at the beginning of the school year, to help maintain a safer environment.

| EDUCATION NEWS: Read more from Christian County Schools

Speed trailers in Christian County, safety around busses

To further emphasize the message of safety, the Christian County Sheriff’s Office partnered with the Kentucky Department of Highway Safety to place speed trailers in various locations across the county. These trailers boldly portray the school zone speed limit, while digitally flashing the current speed of a travelling vehicle.

“These trailers encourage drivers to be mindful of the posted speed limit, especially in neighborhoods and near school zones,” said a statement from CCSO. “Let’s all do our part to protect our community by driving cautiously and staying alert.”

While slowing down around school zones is highly important, using caution in nearby neighborhoods and around busses also ensures the safety of students. Vehicles have to come to a complete stop when approaching a school bus with the stop arm down and the lights activated. Officer Marfil added that passing a loading or unloading bus is an arrestable offense.

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