School starts soon, so slow down Published Aug. 24, 2011 By 1st Lt. Laura Balch Nellis Public Affairs NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- Schools in the Clark County School District will open their doors for the start of the new school year Aug. 29, 2011. With this new start, drivers need to keep in mind that a few significant changes will occur on the roads. First, there will be school buses everywhere. Drivers should pay attention to their surroundings and be prepared to slow down and stop when near a bus. Second, there will be children near the roads, waiting to be picked up by these school buses. Drivers should be on the lookout for children and be extra cautious when driving in residential areas. Third, speeding in a school zone carries much tougher fines. The typical speed limit in a school zone is 15 miles per hour. According to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, fines for speeding are doubled in school zones. This means a speeding ticket for one to 10 mph over the speed limit can cost up to $380. A speeding ticket for 11 to 21 mph over the speed limit can cost up to $600. "On top of the cost of a speeding ticket, drivers can expect additional citations for a vehicle stop to include reckless driving and other charges if children or pedestrians are present," said Col. Henri Lambert, 99th Security Forces Group commander. "Speeding in a school zone will actually generate up to $1,000 in total fines and take four to six points off your driving record." So, to keep everyone safe throughout this school year, be sure to follow the rules of road, keep an eye out for children and allow extra time for travel. There is no need to rush. "We need to look out for our kids as they are excited about school and can easily become distracted and unpredictable at crosswalks, bus stops and school zones," said. Col. Steve Garland, 99th Air Base Wing commander. "People need to adjust their commute times to account for any potential delays to ensure everyone makes it to school and work safely."
