As the school year begins again, so does the need for extra caution around school zones. In Dalton, Georgia, authorities are reminding drivers that speeding near schools can have devastating consequences. According to Sgt. David Saylors, the safety of children is at stake—not just in Dalton, but also in nearby Whitfield and Catoosa counties. Since March, new surveillance cameras have been monitoring school zones, and the numbers they’ve captured are eye-opening.
Zones
School zones are always hectic, especially during drop-off and pick-up times. Parents rushing to get their kids to class on time often forget they’re not the only ones on the road. With so many moving vehicles and distracted drivers, school zones become high-risk areas in a matter of minutes. That’s why authorities are rolling out safety campaigns ahead of the new academic year, hoping to prevent accidents before they happen.
Dalton
Sgt. Saylors has been vocal about the importance of slowing down. He warns that ignoring traffic laws won’t just cost drivers money—it could cost lives. Dalton High School and Roan Street Elementary now have functioning speed cameras, and they’ve already made a big impact.
During just the last 19 days of the school year, those cameras recorded 4,847 violations. And with school starting up again, that number is expected to rise if drivers don’t change their behavior.
Cameras
So how do these cameras work? They’re positioned strategically around school zones to catch anyone driving above the posted limit of 30 mph. Offenders receive a citation by mail, along with a fine.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the penalty system:
| Violation Count | Fine Amount |
|---|---|
| First Offense | $100 |
| Repeat Offense | $150 |
Authorities want to make it clear—this isn’t about collecting money. It’s about saving lives. As Sgt. Saylors put it, “Speeding can change your life and the lives of others in half a second.”
Impact
The numbers don’t lie. According to AAA, if a child is struck by a car going 40 mph, there’s only a 10% chance of survival. But if that car is going 20 mph, the survival rate jumps to 90%. That’s a massive difference, and it’s exactly why speed limits in school zones exist.
Speeding isn’t the only concern. Saylors also pointed to driver distractions—especially mobile phones—as a major problem. He urges drivers to connect their phones to their vehicle, or better yet, put them away entirely.
Distractions
Phones are the top distraction on the road today. Even a quick glance can take your eyes off a crossing child. Saylors didn’t mince words: “Don’t text and drive, don’t try to eat and drive. Focus on driving.”
He compared the phone to a third hand, something drivers feel compelled to check the moment it buzzes. But that impulse could have tragic consequences. A single moment of inattention is all it takes.
As school starts again, Dalton authorities are asking everyone to slow down, put their phones away, and remember what’s really important: keeping kids safe.
FAQs
What is the school zone speed limit in Dalton?
The speed limit is 30 mph in school zones.
How much is the fine for first-time speeding?
First-time offenders are fined $100.
When were the school zone cameras installed?
They were installed in March 2025.
How many tickets were issued in 19 days?
4,847 speeding tickets were issued.
What is the survival rate at 40 mph impact?
Only 1 in 10 children survive at that speed.
