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Police up traffic patrols in school zones ‘Terrible Traffic Tuesday’ arrives

Posted at 1:59 PM, Sep 08, 2015
and last updated 2015-09-08 13:59:51-04

CHESTERFIELD, Va. -- Tuesday marked the first day of school in most parts of Central Virginia. But AAA has another name for it: "Terrible Traffic Tuesday."

Many parents told CBS 6, the first day of school tends to be harder for them than for their children.

"I wanted to hold on to my daughter, she was like mom you have to let me go, I don't you to walk me in," explained Lisa Vozar after she walked her third grader to JB Walkins Elementary.

A number of parents said they worry about their children getting to and from school safely, especially on Terrible Traffic Tuesday.

"A lot of drivers go 55 or 60 miles an hour in this area," expressed Chesterfield mom, Rose Duty.

Duty works the night shift and rushes home every morning to see her daughters off to school. She said that many drivers do not stop while her girls try to get on the school bus.

"They are supposed to, but they don't always," Duty said.

According to Duty, it only gets worse as the year progresses.

"Especially as the drivers get used to the bus and the route, they'll eventually start passing it," Duty said.

As for crossing guards and people helping to keep kids safe, Vozar said, "I know a lot of the helpers at school that direct traffic are just volunteers."

Parents said they are grateful for the volunteers and they would like to see police officers in the area all year long.

Chesterfield police told CBS 6 they would be increasing patrols in school zones during the first week back to school to minimize risks for children who are busing, biking, and walking to school.

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