Change to school zones a good idea

Slower speed zone clearly marked now for drivers

One of the best changes to be implemented recently in Yuma is the change to the school zones.

The posted speed limit in a school zone is 15 miles per hour, which is in effect from the first portable sign to the last portable sign on the other side of the crosswalk, creating a safety zone to protect pedestrians.

Now, the signs let drivers know when they can resume the posted speed limit, with a note on the bottom of the sign.

People who speed through school zones or drive impatiently, weaving back and forth in their lane, tailgating until they reach a point where they can attempt to floor the gas, are a scourge on our roadways.

They endanger other drivers, and they can be intimidating and obnoxious.

The whole situation is perplexing, because the goal of a school zone is to protect the students within the zone. We have witnessed drivers speed around other drivers, using the middle turn lane as a drag strip, and we’ve seen several incidents where tail-gating drivers nearly rear-ended other drivers who were simply slowing down or stopping for crossing guards.

It’s always been clear on where a school zone begins. But now, with the updated signage, it’s clear where the school zone ends, too. It’s not simply a matter of getting past the crosswalk — one must also get through the final sign before accelerating again.

That should provide an added buffer of safety for our students, which is worth the extra couple of minutes it will cost drivers each morning.

And frankly, if the school zones take too long for drivers, there’s a simple solution: avoid the school zones.

We often see issues along Arizona Avenue with impatient drivers in the school zones, but really, if one doesn’t need to be on Arizona, why not divert to 1st Avenue?

There are also a few school zones on Avenue A where we’ve witnessed bad driver behavior, yet 4th Avenue runs parallel, and would be an easy route to avoid Avenue A.

Drivers, pay attention to the signs. School is back in session, and we’d hate for you to wind up in detention!

DO YOU AGREE WITH THIS OR NOT?