TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - Flashing lights and crossing guards can't do all the work. Drivers, you need to pay attention in those school zones. School has been back in session for about two months and crossing guards say the traffic is still pretty bad.
WTXL asked parents on Facebook which school drop-off sites had the worst traffic, and you answered. Among the many responses we received was this one from CJ Stevenson saying "I drive by Raa every morning and that is intense."
WTXL took to the streets to find out just how intense this traffic is.
Nestled behind the Publix at the "Lake Ella Plaza" on Monroe Street sits Raa Middle School... A school that members of the community say is in a heavily trafficked area.
"This is a very busy intersection, especially early in the mornings," says Arrington Williams, a school crossing guard. "It's more busy early in the mornings and I'd say maybe around lunch time."
Whether it's children biking to school, or people just trying to get to work, this particular intersection by Raa Middle School, at Tharpe Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard is very busy, and crossing guards say it only gets busier during the school year.
With increased traffic, comes an increased risk for wrecks. In fact, according to Tallahassee Online Police Statistics (hyperlink this: http://www.talgov.com/gis/tops/), if you look at the roads within a quarter mile of Raa Middle, there have been more crashes during the drop off and pick up times since school started than there were during the summer months. Leon County Sheriff's deputies see similar issues along roads all over the county. They have a request for drivers in these school zone...pay attention.
"I do think you have isolated incidents where people go through school zones and they don't pay attention," says Leon County Sheriff's Office Lieutenant Grady Jordan. "Again, that goes back to the distracted driving situation. I think there's a rare occasion where somebody just doesn't care and speeds through the school zone."
Although accidents near Raa Middle School are not a daily thing, crossing guards like Williams still keep a close eye to ensure the children make it to school safely.
"I got to always be looking out for myself and them at the same time, you know. I've got a constant watch," explains Williams.
If you are commuting through a school zone, it's always good to leave a few minutes early in case traffic is more congested than usual.
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