Shifting spring sunlight create dangerous glare conditions for drivers navigating Upper Cumberland school zones during morning commutes.
Cookeville Police Department Sgt. Charlotte Austin said the combination of warmer weather and altered daylight hours has led to an increase in foot and bicycle traffic during peak drop-off times. Austin said drivers encounter bright sunlight at unexpected angles, making it difficult to see individuals crossing the street.
“I think people lose their sight for just a few moments,” Austin said. “Maybe they’re not using visors or sunglasses and things like that because they’re not used to having to use them at those times and so they’re being blinded momentarily and then maybe missing somebody like stepping out into the roadway or riding a bicycle along the roadway.”
Austin said motorists should take extra safety measures such as utilizing sun visors and keeping sunglasses in their vehicles to improve visibility. Drivers need to allow themselves extra travel time in the morning to adjust to the recent time change.
“Just the main one is speed,” Austin said. “I know we see a lot of speeding in school zones and I know everybody’s in a hurry in the morning, especially people who may have to drive through a school zone that don’t necessarily have to drop off in the school zone. But I would just remind everybody to pay attention to your crosswalks, your speed signs, your crossing guards as they’re giving directions and things like that and just slow down, give yourself a little bit more time to get everybody to where they’re going safely.”
Austin said school staff and teachers who assist with traffic control or retrieve students from vehicles should wear high-visibility clothing or gloves to stand out to approaching drivers. Police officers will maintain an increased presence in school zones to monitor speeds and enhance safety.
“One that I have seen personally is the new Highland Rim school zone down at Maple and England,” Austin said. “I drive through there every morning on my way in and there is signage on both ends of that school zone, but I notice a lot of people are speeding through there so I would just remind everybody that there is a new school zone there. Everybody’s not used to it, I’m sure, but just really watch for those posted speed limits and signage because you know like Highland Rim is a newer school down there and so I would just recommend everybody pay attention to the signage and the speed limits during those school times.”
Austin said east-west routes, such as the roadway connecting Spring Street to Avery Trace, are particularly problematic because the direct sunlight will continue to affect visibility in those areas for the remainder of the academic year.
“Right, that is an east-west roadway and so the sunlight is definitely going to be affecting cars in that particular area for a while for the rest of the school year,” Austin said. “So just slow down and be mindful that there is a crossing guard and there are maybe people who are new to the school who are not familiar with the flow of traffic so just be patient and give everybody some kindness and grace.”