“The safety of our students is our number one priority.” With that priority in mind, Fannin County Deputy Sheriff Lieutenant Darvin Couch warns drivers that changes have been made to the school zone in front of Fannin County High School (FCHS).
Drivers who ignore the changes face increased fines and more points against their drivers licenses than regular speeding tickets carry.
Couch, who is commander of the School Resource Officer unit, said Monday that some tolerance is being extended with the start of school to give drivers an opportunity to change their habits, but that tolerance will soon end.
The City of Blue Ridge has lowered the speed limit in the school zone to 20 mph from last year’s limit of 30 mph. “This is a significant change, but one that is in place for safety and must be obeyed,” Couch said.
With school in session Monday morning, he said cars were still speeding in the high 30s.
Couch said some drivers are also ignoring the pedestrian crosswalk, which is clearly marked, giving students the right of way to cross the highway. Those drivers will likewise soon face tickets.
“There’s a lot of foot traffic as students cross Old Highway 76 to get to the high school campus. Traffic must stop for those students,” Couch said.
Flashing lights warn of the school zone, which is in effect from 7:20 a.m. to 8:20 a.m. and again from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. During these times, state law provides for zero tolerance, whereby tickets can be issued for vehicles traveling one mile per hour over the limit.
“It’s all about keeping kids, parents and teachers safe,” Couch said. “The area around FCHS is heavily congested. The same is true at all schools. I can’t stress it enough that safety is our top priority. It should be everyone’s.”