Muscogee County Sheriff's Department to Install Speeding Cameras Near Schools

By Janell Williams

In a bid to enhance student safety, the Muscogee County Sheriff's Department is taking significant steps by installing twenty new speeding cameras near elementary and middle schools within the Muscogee County School District. Sheriff Greg Countryman proposed this initiative during a recent city council meeting, emphasizing the importance of protecting children as they travel to and from school.

These cameras are set to be fully operational by August, marking the first phase of a broader plan to install a total of 40 cameras across the district. The phased installation approach aims to methodically cover more areas over time, ensuring a comprehensive increase in safety measures.

"We want our roadways to be safe. That’s one of the main purposes of us doing this," stated Sheriff Countryman. "We want safe school zones and safe roadways for our children."

The decision to install these cameras comes after numerous reports and concerns about speeding in school zones, which pose a significant threat to young students. The Sheriff's Department hopes that this initiative will act as a deterrent to speeding drivers and create a safer environment for all.

The introduction of these cameras is part of a broader effort by local authorities to implement safety measures and promote responsible driving behavior. The cameras will not only monitor and record speeding incidents but will also provide data to help further refine traffic safety strategies in the area.

Community members have expressed support for the initiative, recognizing the critical need for enhanced safety measures around schools. "As a parent, knowing that there are additional protections in place for our children gives me peace of mind," said one local resident.

As the installation progresses, the Sheriff's Department plans to keep the community informed about the locations of the new cameras and any changes to traffic regulations in school zones. The department also encourages residents to stay vigilant and adhere to speed limits to ensure the safety of students.

The full deployment of the forty cameras is expected to significantly bolster the overall safety infrastructure within the Muscogee County School District, making the journey to and from school safer for thousands of students.

The following schools will participate in the implementation: 

• Blackmon Road Middle School
• Blanchard Elementary School
• Clubview Elementary
• Dimon Elementary Magnet Academy
• Double Churches Elementary
• Downtown Elementary Magnet Academy
• Eagle Ridge Academy
• Eddy Middle School
• Forrest Road Elementary School
• Fort Middle School
• Georgetown Elementary School
• Hannan Elementary School
• JD Davis Elementary School
• Midland Middle School
• Martin Luther King, Jr Elementary School
• Reese Road Elementary
• Rigdon Road Elementary School
• River Road Elementary School
• Waddell Elementary School
• Wynnton Arts Academy

Why this is important to the Black and Hispanic community: This news article is important to the Black and Hispanic communities because these communities often face higher risks and challenges related to traffic safety in school zones. The installation of speeding cameras near schools in the Muscogee County School District aims to protect all children, including those from minority backgrounds, by deterring dangerous driving behaviors. Enhanced safety measures can provide peace of mind to parents and ensure that children from these communities have a safer journey to and from school, promoting equity and well-being.