The 2021-22 school year is here now, and that means school speed zones are in effect. 

Thomasville City Schools welcomed students and teachers and staff back to classes and buildings Monday morning. 

While hundreds of children and their parents are making their way to school, the Thomasville Police Department is watching for those going too fast for the school zones. There are automated speed zones on South Broad, East Jackson, West Jackson and East Clay streets. 

A recent AAA survey of Florida drivers revealed more than 50% drive through a school zone for either their regular commute or usual drive route. More than one-third (37%) admitted to driving over the speed limit in an active school zone and nearly the same amount, 35%, said they have their cell phones in hand when driving through an active school zone. 

The same survey shows that more than one-fourth, 28%, of drivers go around a school bus when its red lights are flashing or cut off a school bus because it is going too slow.

AAA points out that motor vehicle accidents are the greatest threat children face and that almost one in five children 14 and younger killed in a traffic crash is a pedestrian.

Thomas County Schools go back in session next week. Grady County Schools will start even later. 

But it’s still a good time to slow down and look around with city schools open already.