Rating:

0.0 (0 votes)

SIERRA VISTA, Ariz.- Ft. Huachuca says an increase in speeding around school zones and neighborhoods is causing safety concerns for children and pedestrians.

"I especially see it in neighborhoods," says Ft. Huachuca Resident Jennifer Bosarge. "There's a lot of people in a hurry, trying to get from place to place."

That's why Ft. Huachuca has launched a high-visibility plan to crack down on speeders and "distracted drivers". "That would include drivers using cell phones, iPods, or other electronic devices" says Master Sergeant Thomas Burke.

Twice a week, during the busiest hours of the day, an extra three to five officers patrol the problem areas.

The base has three schools and nine housing developments. The speed limit around schools is typically 15 mph. The speed limit around housing developments is typically 25 mph.

If a driver is going less than 10 miles over the speed limit, Master Sergeant Burke says he or she will most likely get a warning the first time. If it happens again, they'll have to issue a citation.

So far this month, officers have issued 53 warnings and 14 citations for either speeding or using a cell phone while driving. Master Sergeant Burke says a speeding ticket will cost $14 for every mile a driver is over the limit, plus a $25 processing fee.

Using a cell phone while driving will cost $70, plus a $25 processing fee.

"It's something that should have been done long ago," Bosarge says.

Master Sgt. Burke says they plan to enforce the high visibility plan indefinitely.