RRPD to ramp up enforcement in school zones

RIO RANCHO — The Rio Rancho Police Department and Rio Rancho Public Schools are reminding the public to take extra caution in school zones.

“We are reaching out with an urgent and important request regarding traffic safety around our schools,” RRPD said in a Friday release sent to parents by RRPS. “The Rio Rancho Police Department has been receiving multiple complaints about speeding and other violations in schools zones. Officers have been working diligently to address these concerns, but we need your help to ensure the safety of our children.”

The release noted that police observed 36 unrestrained children and numerous speeding violations while monitoring traffic at an unspecified elementary school, with the highest recorded speed of 52 mph in a 15 mph school zone.

“Unfortunately, this issue is not isolated to one school; it is happening across Rio Rancho,” the department said. They also noted that they will be ramping up enforcement efforts and “our sincere hope is that all drivers prioritize safety without the need for citations or arrests.”

RRPD urged all parents to slow down in school zones and obey speed limits, ensure children are properly restrained in vehicles, and exercise patience during drop-off and pickup times.