Attention drivers who speed near Cooper Elementary: you've been warned.
The Street Department recently installed signs denoting the 25 mph speed limit for the Cooper school zone. Bella Vista Police will be beefing up their presence and cracking down on violators who speed or operate a cell phone while driving in the school zone when children are present, Capt. Tim Cook said.
It's part of an ongoing effort to raise awareness about safe-driving habits. Police also want to give the public ample warning before the enforcement begins.
"We want people to be aware of it and start changing their behaviors," Cook said. "There will be a no-tolerance policy. The only exceptions is for cell phone use during an emergency situation."
The increased police presence near the school zone comes directly from several requests to have officers on patrol to watch for distracted drivers. Cook said Principal Matt Young had expressed concern because drivers were speeding and using their cell phones during high-traffic hours for students.
Cook added that he practices what his department preaches.
"If I'm in the (school zone), I don't need to be using the phone," he said.
Benton County District Court Judge Ray Bunch will be handling violations. Bunch said he supports the department's efforts.
"I think it's a good thing when it comes to the safety of children," he said. "It's the appropriate thing to do and I'm glad to see it. Statistics show that texting while driving can be as bad as drunk driving. We're trying to head that off on the front end."
Cooper's school zone spans most of Dartmoor Road. It begins near the intersection of Mercy Way and runs almost to Veterans Parkway.
If ticketed for speeding, violators must appear in court. Fines for using a cell phone while driving or speeding inside a school zone are set by the courts and judges, Cook said.
General News on 03/04/2015