Thomson, GA Launches Automated Speed Enforcement Program to Protect Students and Slow Dangerous Driving

Thomson, GA – The Thomson Police Department has decided to partner with Blue Line Solutions, and they've officially launched an Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) program to improve safety in school zones surrounding McDuffie Achievement Center, R.L. Norris Elementary School, and Thomson High School.

The program follows comprehensive speed studies that identified a clear and measurable safety risk. Over a five-day period, 6,262 vehicles were recorded speeding through these school zones, out of approximately 60,509 vehicles per week. That means more than 10% of all drivers were exceeding the enforceable school zone speed limit.

Speed Data Revealed the Need for Action

Among the vehicles traveling above the speed limit:

• 41.44% were driving 11–14 MPH over
• 18.25% were driving 15–20 MPH over
• 3.07% were driving 21+ MPH over, placing children and families at extreme risk

This data-driven approach ensured the decision to deploy ASE was based on real-world driving behavior, not anecdotal concerns.

“Speeding in school zones is one of the most preventable threats to child safety,” said Mark Hutchinson, Founder and CEO of Blue Line Solutions. “Thomson’s leadership demonstrates what it looks like when a community uses data, transparency, and education to protect students and work toward Vision Zero.”

Education First: Warning Period Now Underway

The program launched with a 30-day warning period on Monday, August 4. During this phase:

• Drivers traveling 10+ MPH over the posted school zone speed limit receive a mailed warning notice
• Warnings are clearly marked in red and carry no fines or penalties
• The goal is to encourage drivers to slow down and adjust behavior before enforcement begins

Live enforcement began September 3, following the conclusion of the warning period.

How the ASE Program Operates

• Cameras operate only on school days, only when children are present, and only when school zone beacons are flashing
• Clear signage, flashing lights, and radar feedback signs provide advance notice to motorists
• All violations are civil in nature, with no points on a driver’s license and no insurance penalties
• Each violation is reviewed to ensure fairness and accuracy prior to issuance

National safety data reinforces the importance of these measures. A child struck by a vehicle traveling 40 MPH has only a 1 in 10 chance of survival, while at 20 MPH, that survival rate increases to 9 in 10. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 64% of child pedestrian fatalities occur on weekdays, when school zones are most active.

Advancing Toward Vision Zero in Thomson

By implementing Automated Speed Enforcement, Thomson joins a growing number of Georgia communities using proven, transparent technology to reduce dangerous driving behavior and protect vulnerable road users.

Blue Line Solutions is proud to support the Thomson Police Department in delivering a program focused on education, accountability, and lasting behavior change.

Together, Thomson is taking a meaningful step toward Vision Zero: Zero crashes. Zero injuries. Zero endangered lives.

Join us in our mission to achieve Vision Zero by scheduling your FREE 5-Day Speed Study today: https://www.bluelinesolutions.com/contact