Jefferson, GA – The Jefferson Police Department is launching a new School Zone Safety and Automated Traffic Enforcement Program to enhance the safety of students and reduce speeding in designated school zones. The initiative targets two critical areas: Jefferson Elementary-Academy on Old Pendergrass Road and Jefferson High School on US-129BUS/Washington Street. Here is a map of Georgia school speed cameras.
Program Purpose: Reducing Speeding in School Zones
This safety program aims to reduce excessive speeding and promote safe driving behaviors near schools. Speed studies conducted over five school days showed alarming results:
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Jefferson Elementary-Academy School Zone:
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15,458 vehicles monitored
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2,429 drivers were speeding at 11 MPH or more over the limit
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Jefferson High School Zone:
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29,260 vehicles monitored
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3,063 drivers speeding at 11 MPH or more
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If these trends continued, over 22,000 monthly speeding violations could occur in these two school zones alone. Speeding is a leading contributor to traffic fatalities — in 2018 alone, 1,514 people lost their lives on Georgia roads, many due to preventable unsafe driving.
Enforcement Timeline and Citation Details
The program will begin with a warning period starting Wednesday, December 16, 2020, and will continue through February 1, 2021. During this period:
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Vehicles traveling 11 MPH or more over the posted speed limit will receive warning citations by mail
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No fines will be issued during this phase
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Warnings are intended to educate drivers on the importance of reducing speed in school zones
Starting February 1, 2021, monetary citations will be issued:
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First offense: $75 fine + $25 processing fee
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Subsequent offenses: $125 fine + $25 processing fee
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Unpaid fines may result in a hold on vehicle registration or title transfer until the fine is paid
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Citations are civil violations and will not affect your driver’s license or insurance
Those who wish to contest a citation may do so in court before a judge.
Program Components: Speed, Education, and Community Awareness
The School Zone Safety Program consists of four key components:
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Speed Studies
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Public Information
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Education
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Enforcement (PI&E)
Parents and community members will receive educational materials via brochures, utility bill inserts, social media, and public service announcements (PSAs). Ongoing speed studies will occur at least four times during the first year to track program effectiveness.
School Zone Speed Camera Operation Schedule
Speed cameras will only operate on school days and during times when students and staff are present. Cameras will not operate on nights, weekends, holidays, or other non-school days.
Old Pendergrass Road (Jefferson Elementary-Academy School Zone):
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School Zone Speed Limit: 25 MPH (flashing lights on)
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Enforced from 7:00 AM – 8:30 AM and 2:15 PM – 4:00 PM
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Standard Road Speed: 35 MPH
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Enforced at all other school day times
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Washington Street (US-129BUS – Jefferson High School Zone):
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School Zone Speed Limit: 35 MPH (flashing lights on)
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Enforced from 7:35 AM – 8:35 AM and 3:10 PM – 4:10 PM
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Standard Road Speed: 45 MPH
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Enforced at all other school day times
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By focusing on child safety, speed reduction, and community education, the Jefferson Police Department hopes to create a safer environment around schools and prevent tragedies before they occur.
For more information, follow the Jefferson Police Department on social media or contact the department directly.