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State school speed zones always in effect

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Benjamin W. Stratton
  • 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  Fairchild's kids returned to school Sept. 2 bringing back the lowered speed zone for traffic around Michael Anderson Elementary School.

"With the return of students and faculty that make up Fairchild's Michael Anderson Elementary School, it's important to remember safety first," said Senior Airman Timothy Riley, 92nd Security Forces Squadron police services manager.

According to installation directives and Washington state code, it is unlawful to operate a vehicle at speeds exceeding 20 mph within any school zone on or off base regardless of the time of year, whether children are present or not.

Riley said, "As a visible reminder, speed reader boards are posted and security forces personnel will be out and about to ensure the safety of both the kids and the drivers."

Fairchild has a zero tolerance policy in the school zone enforcing strict adherence and enforcement for the benefit of the students, parents and faculty. Riley said in order to stress the importance of these laws, fines have been normalized across the state. He explained that while 20 mph doesn't seem very fast, when interpreted as feet-per-second, cars are traveling at a rate of 30 fps.

"If you are operating at peak efficiency, meaning you're not tired, hurried, or distracted, it takes approximately 1-2 seconds to recognize a hazard and decide a course of action during which you have 30 to 60 feet before you can begin that course of action," he said.

"Please be an honest steward and obey the traffic, pedestrian, and pick-up/drop-off rules," Riley added. "The rules and laws are for the safety of everyone."

For more information about the school zone requirements and school policies, call Senior Airman Timothy Riley at (509) 247-5718, or Darlene Starr, the Michael Anderson principal, at (509) 247-3600.