APD advises drivers to slow down

ALBANY — Students in Dougherty County begin the 2016 school year next week, and the Albany Police Department wants to make sure that drivers are aware of school zones.

At a press conference on Wednesday, members of the APD Traffic Enforcement Unit gave tips and warnings to drivers about the increased traffic (both pedestrian and vehicle) and hazards associated with the start of the new school year.

“The school district in Dougherty County and also in Albany starts Aug. 2,” said APD Corp. Gregory Gadt. “The Albany Police Department’s traffic enforcement unit will be out, and we have a zero tolerance for school zones. There are several schools zones throughout the city that we will be focusing on and trying to slow drivers down; making sure everybody is safe. Basically, we want the motorist to be safe, we want the pedestrians to be safe and the children that are on their way to school and home from school (to be safe).”

According to APD spokeswoman Phyllis Banks, last year the traffic enforcement unit recorded, including warnings, 1,592 violations in school zones. These violations consisted of speeding, no insurance, expired vehicle registration, no license on person, driving without a license, suspended vehicle registration and suspended license.

“We want to give some tips to the drivers,” said Gadt. “Slow down and pay attention to the school zones. Most of the school zones in the city all have warning lights at the entrance to let the driver know. Pay attention while you are driving.

“Distracted driving is a big issue, also. Put the phones down while driving. Most of the phone calls can wait until you get to your destination. Leave your house a couple of minutes early. Give yourself a little extra time. Figure out what route you are going to take so you can be prepared for it and deal with the extra traffic that will be on the roadway.”

According to APD officials, fines for violations that occur in a school zone will be double the normal fine.

“Inside the school zone, the Albany Municipal Court doubles the fine,” said Gadt. “It also has to do with the driver’s driving record, so pay attention to that as well.”

Officials pointed out several zones that tend to be trouble spots or zones in which violations occur more frequently.

“On Dawson Road, in the 1500 block in front of Merry Acres, there are lights at the zone entrance in both directions,” said Gadt. “Also, on East Oglethorpe, it’s pretty busy in the mornings. Normally, it’s 45 (mph), but during the mornings and afternoons everybody needs to adjust their speed and drop down to 25 miles per hour when those flashing lights are on because of the schools in the area.

“East Oakridge and West Oakridge are also other high-speed areas that we will be paying quite a bit of attention to. So slow down and give yourself that extra couple of minutes when you leave the house. “

Officials say a strict zero tolerance policy will be in effect.

“If we’re in a school zone that has the lights on it, that’s the warning for the driver there,” said Gadt. “You will not be getting a warning from us if you are speeding, you will get a ticket.”

Officers also advise pedestrians to be safe, stay on the sidewalks and only cross the street in designated crosswalk areas.

“A couple of years ago in our Lake Park Elementary School area, a small child darted out into traffic instead of crossing at one of the crosswalks and he was struck by a car,” Gadt said. “I believe he broke his leg. So motorists have to be careful. The kids are in a hurry to try to get home at the end of the day, and they are coming from between parked cars and stuff. It is something to mindful of. The huge thing that we want to impress upon the motorists of the city is to just slow down and pay attention.”

School zone times are from 7:15 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 2:15 p.m. to 4 p.m.