LANSING, Mich. (WILX/WNEM/WLUC) – Lawmakers are considering proposed legislation that aims to pump the brakes on people speeding through school zones.
Members of the House Local Government and Municipal Finance Committee Wednesday moved HB 4921 and HB 5726 to the floor for a vote. The bills would amend the Michigan Vehicle Code to allow for speed detection systems in school zones.
Bill sponsor, Rep. John Fitzgerald (D), Wyoming, said despite posted signs and, in some cases, even radar detectors alerting people of their speed, some people still drive too fast through school zones. Some reports show around 100 schoolchildren are injured every year in school zones. A study conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration from 2010-2019 shows in that span, an average of 20 people are killed every year in school zones. Something Rep. Fitzgerald is hoping his legislation will change.
“These kids are walking to school, riding their bikes, maybe riding their skateboards to school. But we also have a number of major roadways and busy streets that these children are contesting with on their way to school, and we want to make sure motorists are operating their vehicle in a safe manner in school zones,” Rep. Fitzgerald said.
Committee members discussed the proposal Wednesday, which would allow local governments to install Point-to-Point cameras to capture a driver’s average speed in school zones. Following a 30-day public awareness campaign, drivers who are 10 miles per hour over the speed limit will receive a fine in the mail of up to $150.
“This is not going to fit every community, but if a community decides this is the right fit for them, I really think this is an opportunity for local governments to have local control over an issue that [would help] in any community whether it be rural, urban or suburban,” Rep. Fitzgerald explained.
One lawmaker, Rep. Brad Paquette (R), Niles, voted against the bill, saying the focus should be on what’s happening inside schools. While other concerns raised during testimony included how the bill could impact local libraries and courts. Revenue generated from speed detection systems would instead go towards funding the system itself. East Lansing resident Charlie Mack, who lives in a school zone, said he doesn’t like the proposed law. He believes police, not cameras, are the answer to speeders.
“It’s a little too big, brother,” Mack said. “I think the [radar detectors] help but definitely takes just one or two police cars out there, and everyone gets the message,” Mack said.
Rep. Fitzgerald pointed out that speed detection systems would free up law enforcement for other issues.
If the law does pass, Michigan would join 20 other states and territories that use speed detection systems. Local governments that use speed cameras will have to post signs in school zones letting drivers know a speed detection system is in use.
The bill now heads to the full House of Representatives for a vote where more changes could be made.
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