RUTHERFORD COUNTY, TN - Speeding through school zones continues to present challenges for Rutherford County authorities, despite efforts to curb dangerous driving. Rutherford County Sheriff’s Sgt. Gary Herron told WGNS about a recent case in which he caught a driver traveling around 50 miles per hour over the school zone speed limit… The driver claimed he was unaware he had entered a school zone. He now faces a significant fine.

Personal vehicles speeding through school zones aren’t the only concern… Sgt. Herron emphasized the grave risks children face if they accidentally wander into the path of an oncoming vehicle. He urged drivers to remain vigilant, especially in areas where students are walking to and from school.

According to the Tennessee Highway Safety Office, speeding is a factor in 26% of all traffic-related fatalities throughout the United States.

In Rutherford County, distracted driving further complicates safety efforts… Drivers caught using cellphones in school zones face steeper fines, as Tennessee law aims to reduce these incidents.

Data from the Tennessee Department of Safety reveals that there have been two fatal crashes involving distracted drivers in Rutherford County so far this year. At this time last year, three such incidents were reported, while only one had occurred by this point in 2022.

A recent example from Ohio highlights the dangers of distracted driving. Last month, a driver struck two students in a marked school zone while they crossed the street at a crosswalk. The driver, distracted by her crying child, later told police the collision was accidental. Thankfully, the students did not sustain serious injuries, but the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of staying focused behind the wheel—especially in school zones.