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City officials have announced the recent installation of new solar-powered speed detection signs around Bel Aire Elementary School to enhance safety for students, parents and community members.

The eco-friendly speed detection signs are designed to alert drivers to their speed as they enter the school zone, reminding them to slow down and adhere to the posted speed limits.

“The signs are programmed to detect speeds from a significant distance, giving drivers ample time to adjust their speed and avoid violations,” Community Engagement Officer Lyle Russell said. “They also serve as a visual reminder of the importance of caution in school zones, especially during busy pickup and drop-off times.”

In addition, he said the signs are solar-powered, which require no connection to the electrical grid and operate continuously, even in low-light conditions.

“This technology allows for an uninterrupted safety reminder even when school is not in session that is both cost-effective and environmentally beneficial,” he said.

The installation of the speed detection signs is a significant step in following through with the city’s commitments to add safety improvements to the roadways near the site of a tragic accident in September that claimed the life of Tullahoma High School student Brodie Minor. The solar-powered signs are part of an ongoing effort to implement innovative safety measures in high-traffic areas around schools and neighborhoods. They are installed in both directions on Stone Boulevard and westbound on Bel Aire Drive.

Parents, teachers and community members are encouraged to report any incidents or feedback on the signs’ effectiveness through the community engagement portal on www.tullahomatn.gov, as the city will continuously evaluate and improve upon safety measures.