10/9/2008
School zones will have law enforcement attention
BOISE - Law enforcement officers throughout Idaho will be watching for speed limit violations in school zones Oct. 15-26, the Idaho Transportation Department announced.
ITD reminds drivers that violating a speed limit in a school zone will cost at least $116.50. In July, Idaho lawmakers set a $75 minimum fine for speeding violations in a school zone. Court costs add $41.50 to each citation. Previously, the state had no minimum fine.
The school zone enforcement campaign, funded through ITD's Office of Highway Operations and Safety, will be held in conjunction with national Teen Driver Safety Week Oct. 20-24.
Nationwide, Teen Driver Safety Week will focus on risks of passengers and teen drivers.
"Our goal is to reduce needless deaths and serious injuries caused by youthful drivers," said Margaret Goertz, with ITD.
Research by the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia shows that when a 16- to 19-year-old driver adds just one passenger, risks of a fatal crash double. Add two passengers and the risk quadruples.
Drivers younger than 18 can expect a fine of $51.50 if they or any passenger under 18 are caught not wearing seat belts.