Skip to main content

Speed Zone

The title Speed Zone sounds a little generic right? I thought so too, but continue reading; it has a great deal of depth. As a freelance journalist the world of stories seems infinite at times. Some larger than others, but none more important than the other. When I was approached about "Speed Zone", I knew it would be a challenging subject, mainly because it addresses children and their safety. During my travels to and from the city, I notice tons of things that I would love to change provided the opportunity. As of lately, it's been the speed of rushing parents in school zones.

So when I was presented with the opportunity of capturing images on the subject, I couldn't turn it down. However with each great project there has to be a challenge. In one area that I covered, a parent called the school and said it was a strange man taking photographs. I found that one amusing, because I was wearing my press I.D. in plain view of anyone who had questions. That same parent was more than likely afraid I photographed them flying thru the school zone. So being a responsible member of the media, I spoke with that particular principal, and I contacted that areas public relations department and life moved on as usual.

However, my presence didn't change how people were driving. The two photos below address and support visually that this subject is one that can't go unnoticed.

Last, but not least. Some of you maybe saying, "what's the big deal"? For those of you that feel that way here's the icing on the cake. In my hometown of High Point, North Carolina a young girl was struck and killed by a school zone speeder. She was only five years old. I'll never forget the story because little Crystal, was a student in my mother's K-5 class. I often remember sitting at the dinner table hearing my mother share the stories about how vibrant little Crystal was. The key word in the previous sentence is, was.

Today, that school's intersection is one of the safest in the area; but does another child have to die before we pay attention to the growing epidemic of school zone speeders?

Speed Zone.


A visible speed limit sign and a warning seldom obeyed during school hours.





A little kid dodging cars. Fortunately, the man in this car was paying attention.

Comments

QUIANNA said…
GREAT BLOG AND AN EYE OPENER JUNEBUG :)

Popular posts from this blog

The Players That You Never Knew

With the opening Friday Night of the 2014 high school football season on the horizon, every barbershop in every small-town in America is probably buzzing with the conversation of who are greatest high school football players of all time.  It's a valid question considering the pool of talent that passes through most small towns.  People often wonder where these guys end up long after their playing days are over.  I've often asked the same question about many of my ex-teammates. Two in particular, Darius Brewnington and Kenny Shaw. If you were an athlete in the early 1990's they were arguably considered two of the most influential athletes in North Carolina's rich high school football history.  Unfortunately, like many other high profile athletes life happens.  However, even with the growing pains of life every man has his day of redemption.  With Darius and Kenny being former teammates of mine I wanted to see for myself who they are 20 years removed fr...

Fences

Several days ago I stopped to talk to one of my neighbors about a vacant private pool property in our neighborhood. We briefly shard our perspectives on the what if's of the property, and the countless possibilities for the local children if it were open. Needless to say many of the residents where we live share the same vision. Ironically days after that conversation, I had the pleasure of witnessing two middle school aged girls jumping the fence to play basketball at the property. Usually I wouldn't think much of this observation but being a father with two daughters, I couldn't help but notice. Especially when they're no trespassing signs posted everywhere.  However, me thinking like a rational adult, I had to quickly remind myself to think like a kid and note that the fence obstacle wasn't going to be the girls end all for getting some shots up.  On the heels of the conversation with my neighbor it was confirmation that we're all on one accord. So, ...

My Why!

Not long ago Sean "P. Diddy" Combs played the leading role in the television movie, " A Raisin in the Sun".  I posted a blog on my myspace page in response to his characters', character.  I talked about his drive and determination to succeed.  It was amazing to watch the movie in 2008 after having read the original screenplay from the 50's.   I'm often asked what is it that motivates me to do what I do besides money.  If you look below at the photos the story tells itself.  Trinity, NC is where I lived until I was about 9 0r 10 years old. Most of the homes there are still like the ones in the photos below.   I took these stills about 5 years ago, I'm glad I did. They are a constant reminder of how important it is to stay humble.  They remind of the importance of a sound education.  They remind me to always respect hard work. They remind me of what strong families can do with little to no resources.  These photos are my moti...