School’s back: Drive safe | IN OUR OPINION

Published 7:14 am Saturday, September 12, 2015

It’s not the worst thing that could happen. But don’t take the chance.

The Bainbridge Island Police Department is reminding drivers on the island that police will be enforcing the 20-mile-per-hour speed limit in all of the island’s  five school zones.

Officials note that people who get a speeding citation can expect to pay a hefty fine.

For drivers going 1 to 5 mph over the limit, expect to get a $214 ticket.

From going 6 to 10 mph over the limit, the fine is $234.

And upward it goes.

For drivers going from 11 to 15 mph over — the fine is $296, and from 16-20 mph, it rises to $378.

Drivers caught going 36 mph or more over the 20 mph limit will be looking at a fine of $808.

And motorists shouldn’t expect to find any relief from the court.

Unlike a regular speeding ticket, under state late the penalty for speeding in a school zone “may not be waived, reduced, or suspended.”

The 20-mph speed limit is in effect from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday (except for Hyla School on Bucklin Hill Road; the speed limit kicks in when the amber lights on the school zone signs are flashing).

Illegally passing a school bus is also a pricey proposition.

Drivers who pass a school bus with its stop paddle out and red lights flashing can be assessed a $419 fine.

Police also don’t have to see the violation occur; a bus driver can  report violations and officers will investigate. If they believe the driver committed the violation, they are required to write the ticket.

Though school-zone speeding and bus passing fines are rightfully high, they are actually quite small compared to the toll in human suffering that could come from an injury or fatality accident.

We emphasize Bainbridge Island Police Chief Matthew Hamner’s recent reminder to island drivers:: “These fines are in place to keep our children safe. I implore my fellow islanders to slow down, put your mobile devices away, and be on the lookout for children on their way to and from school.”