Speeding drivers in school zones should be punished

Dear editor:

School is back in session and I have a front row seat to the event. All summer I have kept my observations to myself, but its time to speak up.

Not only are there few drivers who yield to pedestrians there are few drivers who go the appropriate 20 mph in school zones.

I see these tiny children, who look too young to be walking alone, walking to school in all weather conditions. You just don't know if they are going to trip on a shoe string, just fall, get pushed or simply bolt out in traffic. And just because I think they should have someone older walking with them, isn't going to change the fact that they don't.

Traffic laws are unique in that they are not telling you what you can or can not do to your own body. They are not out to tell you what you have to do (not the place for this debate, all laws are suppose to be for the safety of the public, I just think they've gone to far and made our cops parents, sadly). They are designed for the safety of the public.

Speed limits go up and down based on the amount of residential homes in the area, blinkers alert other driver, cyclists, and walkers as to if its OK to turn or if a yield is necessary. These "rules of the road" are so traffic can run smoothly, and most importantly, safely.

Mountain Home has so many people who speed through the school zones. And the cops do a great job each year reminding drivers it's time to go 20 mph and PAY ATTENTION, but they cannot be only in school zones, and get every unattentive driver.

So, if you get a tennis ball bounced off your car, its me. I've done it because you were speeding, not paying attention and for the safety of those around you. The tennis ball that just bounced off your car is a reminder that there's more than just you out on the road.

Drive safe, look twice for motorcycles, use your blinker, drive the speed limit, yield to pedestrians (who knows, maybe you'll be one someday), look out for children and use a blue tooth or PULL OVER and you won't have a tennis ball bouncing off the window (or whatever part my poor shot will hit).

Have a good school year kids! And just because I'm addressing the drivers here doesn't mean I haven't seen you wait until the last minute to cross the street, holding up heavy traffic after school, darting out from between cars to cross the street, putting everyone around you in danger by possibly causing an accident and being inconsiderate to others. You just got off the hook today.

Michele Zupkow

(Editor's note: As much as Ms. Zupkow raises some excellent points, we don't encourage her -- or anyone else -- to be throwing anything at cars. That too, is wrong and can cause accidents.)