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From one school to another

By ANDREW SKERRITT
Published September 30, 2007

My old gray Chrysler couldn't go much slower.

I carefully maneuvered into the school zone. It's a daily routine for dad and daughter, and now that she's a big first-grader, she doesn't need me to escort her to the classroom. Curbside will be just fine.

So here we were again, on a Monday morning, ready to start a new week.

A week I'd prefer to forget.

A week when 27 mph cost me $237.50, not counting what is likely to happen to my insurance premiums.

It all started so innocently. Gospel music played on the radio. My mind was already on work. Up ahead I saw the elderly crossing guard, construction workers and parents pulling into to the school parking lot. I almost didn't notice the Tampa police officer signalling me to stop, a black laser speed detector in his hand. Maybe there were traffic problems up ahead.

Turns out I was the problem.

Didn't I see the flashing yellow school zone signal, he asked in a firm but courteous manner. Yes sir, I said. But I felt picked on. Didn't he see all those other drivers? Why me? These questions, of course, I kept to myself.

I've been stopped by my share of cops. And I've experience the fear of DWB (driving while black.) But this time, as the black police officer asked for my license and registration, I confess that I hoped DWB would work in my favor. Can't a brother get a break?

Wishful thinking.

He wasn't impressed that I was just dropping off my daughter.

He said I didn't deserve a warning. Maybe for five or six miles over the speed limit but not for 12, he said.

As he walked away, I kept my engine running. My daughter sat quietly in the back seat, taking it all in. I could imagine her answer to mommy's question later: "So, what happened at school today?"

The officer politely handed me the ticket and an envelope for my mailing convenience.

Each morning since as we approach her school, my daughter makes certain to warn me not to speed. It's been a tough and expensive lesson, and it's not over. I have to go to another school now.

Driving school.

Andrew Skerritt can be reached at (813) 909-4602 or toll-free at 1-800-333-7505, ext. 4602. His e-mail address is askerritt@sptimes.com.

[Last modified September 29, 2007, 20:28:17]