First week back in school leads to hundreds of citations in school zones

ORLANDO, Fla. — There were nearly 700 traffic stops in school zones across Orange County during the first week of school. 

The Orange County Sheriff’s Office said that out of those stops, deputies handed out about 250 citations for speeding, for which fines are double.

In a video posted by the sheriff’s office, one deputy even caught a driver going upwards of 40 mph over the speed limit

“It is alarming that a lot of people are not following the law around schools, around where children are,” said Justin Battle, a dad in Orange County.

Drivers from last week who were cited now have to pay hundreds of dollars, which is an expensive reminder to slow down in a school zone.

Dozens of other Orange County drivers were let go with a warning, and that’s just one week.

“It is wild,” said Katilin Page, an Orange County mom.

Kaitlin walks home with her son Lucas every day.

“He loves the school. He told me he almost likes it better than the weekend,” she said.

Lucas loves school, but he also loves the crossing guard.

The crossing guard keeps a close eye on speeders and distracted drivers.

“Sometimes people aren’t paying attention, and he will blow his whistle multiple times, so we feel very safe with him guiding us through the crosswalk,” Kaitlin said.

Kaitlin said she would love to see flashing lights and even more signage near Hillcrest Elementary to remind drivers, kids are here. 

A spokesperson for the Orange County Sheriff’s Office says they do increase patrols in school zones now that school is back in session and the SROs who are already there, help keep an eye on speeders and distracted drivers.