Police Chief addresses problem traffic area in school zone

Lawrenceburg Police Chief Terry Beecham says that overall, traffic in school zones at the beginning of the 2017-2018 school year has resumed without difficulty, but that there is one area where motorists need to pay particular attention.

“The only problem we’re having,” Beecham explained, “is on Lafayette Avenue in front of E.O. Coffman Middle School.”

Due to hazardous conditions created by the previous traffic flow, changes were made during the 2015-2016 school year. During afternoon pickup, parents are now required to enter the school from the west entrance, then line up to collect youngsters at the southern entrance/exit of the school building. The area in front of the school, on Lafayette Avenue, is reserved for use by school buses. It is this area that has proven most problematic.

“We had a good kick-off to the school year,” Beecham explained, “but we are having a few issues there.” He warns motorists, “If you see a school bus stopped – even if the wheels are on the curb – if the stop sign is out, you must stop. Also, if the stop sign is out, don’t pass another motorist who has already stopped…To avoid citations and a day in court, please just stop.”

This school year, in addition to the typical group of “new” seventh graders attending Coffman for the first time, all of the sixth graders from the city schools, have been moved there, as well. “We have six hundred new kids still learning the system,” Beecham said. “They have to learn the ropes and drivers need to be especially cautious and give them the space to learn.”

“We don’t take sadistic pleasure in writing citations,” Beecham pointed out, “We’re just worried about the kids.”