Police shame driver for going nearly 4 times over speed limit in school zone: 'It's truly dangerous'

Mahira Dayal
A police department stopped a driver who was speeding over 4 times the limit in a school zone (Credit: Facebook)
A police department stopped a driver who was speeding over 4 times the limit in a school zone (Credit: Facebook)

A Florida police department shared a photo of a traffic citation which shows a driver going over 4 times the speed limit in a school zone, and people are furious.

The Sarasota Police Department posted about the incident — which took place near Southside Elementary School in Sarasota, Fla. — on Facebook Tuesday. The photo of the citation shows that the car was caught at 64 mph, when the limit in the area was 15 mph.

“This is not okay,” the department’s post reads. “Driver received an automatic court date. A judge will determine future consequences and possible fines / charges. The safety of our children is our #1 priority. Please slow down.”

The Sarasota Police Department did not immediately respond to Yahoo Lifestyle’s request for comment but clarified the consequences for speeding in a school zone in an infographic on Facebook. It explains that fines can range from $156 to over $463, and there is a mandatory court appearance required for drivers speeding more than 30 mph past the limit.

“Speeding in a school zone can add up!” their infographic says. “As students head back to school, please slow down.”

Officer Jason Frank, who pulled over the driver, told Fox 13 that people have forgotten school has started and the woman who received the ticket told him she was “running late.”

"We all get to the point where we get into a hurry, but when we get inside a vehicle and behind the wheel and go that fast it’s not just dangerous for the driver but everyone around," Officer Frank told the station.

Fox 13 reported that the police department handed out 18 tickets on the first day of school.

While people applauded the police department for its efforts in keeping children safe, many expressed how frustrated they were with reckless driving.

One person said that people should just wake up earlier in the morning instead of putting lives at risk.

“I have an idea for everyone: get up earlier, prep you kids meals the night before, leave earlier, and obey the speed limits especially in school zones, parking lots, neighborhoods or other places in which children and/or animals are present,” the comment says. “If you injure or kill and child that will be with you for the rest of your life.”

Another added, “Thank you for cracking down on this! We have witnessed drivers speeding through bus stops WITH children trying to get in the bus and bus stop sign obviously out. Not ok!”

One person took the opportunity to point out that dangerous driving has been a “rampant” issue, beyond just school zones.

“Respectfully, where have you guys been the past few months?! The traffic abuses - speeding, running red lights, texting while driving/recklessness - are rampant here,” the comment said. “It's truly dangerous. Glad to see you're enforcing school zones, but please put greater emphasis on all streets.”

The police department responded, apologizing to the person who hasn’t seen them “out and about” and promised to convey their concerns to the traffic unit.

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