As we enter the new school year, it is crucial for everyone in our community – students, parents and all who travel during peak traffic hours – to remember the importance of obeying speed limits, especially in areas heavily traveled by students.

At a recent Police and Fire Committee meeting, I presented data, courtesy of the Marietta Police Department, that highlights ongoing concerns with speeding in our city, particularly in areas like Davis Avenue, where many students drive and walk. Traffic enforcement data from January 2023 to the present shows that officers logged 596 screens of active traffic enforcement in these and other key areas. Among the most problematic areas for speeding are Acme Street, Gilman Avenue and Greene Street. These locations have consistently seen high instances of speeding, making them dangerous for both drivers and pedestrians.

As a resident of the 4th Ward, I regularly witness the traffic on Gilman and Groves avenues and Lancaster Street, where many students drive to and from the Career Center. The speed limit on Gilman is 35 mph, yet I often see drivers exceeding 50 mph or more. This reckless speeding has led to several accidents along the route these students take in years past, posing a significant risk to everyone on the road. In addition, I’ve had residents bring me their concerns about speeding on the residential streets they live on, further emphasizing the need for caution and responsible driving throughout our community.

The Marietta Police Department has expressed concerns about staffing levels, which they feel impact their ability to prioritize tracking speeders. While I understand the challenges that come with limited resources, it’s important to remember that public safety is a shared responsibility. This is why I have asked the mayor to reconvene the Traffic Commission to take a closer look at these issues and explore additional solutions that involve the entire community.

I also encourage our school administrators to remind their driving students about what it means to be good neighbors. Safe driving is not only a matter of personal responsibility but also reflects the respect we expect from all our students within the community.

I urge everyone to do their part by slowing down, obeying traffic signs and being especially cautious during peak traffic hours. Utilize the resources available through the police department to report speeding. The tip line is 740-376-2007 or visit mariettaoh.net to file an online complaint. Together, we can make our streets safer for everyone, especially our students.

Thank you for your attention to this critical issue.