In recent years at HHS, measures have been taken to increase the safety of the student body. Last year it was the bulky security cameras that were installed in five corners of the school. As a fresh start to the 2005-06 school year a livelier source of security has been installed.

The Hastings Police Department has begun monitoring more heavily the streets adjacent and along school property.

HPD has been monitoring the speed of cars around HHS during the day especially during the morning when students are getting dropped off and during lunch when hungry teenagers are looking for food. Whether by car or by feet, another busy point is at the end of the day when students are ready to abandon the school.

The reason for the monitoring is because there have been complaints filtering through businesses adjacent to the school that students were illegally parked and that students were driving at outrageous speeds.

Another reason is that there were car accidents involving students hitting pedestrians. Signs have been clearly posted along 14th Street that there is a reduced speed to ensure student safety during school hours. This has not stopped many from speeding along 14th Street.

The posted speed limit along 14th Street from Briggs Avenue to Burlington Avenue is 20 MPH, while school is in session. The regular speed limit is 25 MPH.

“We have had many complaints from the Hastings Family Clinic and apartments of students speeding,” HHS Resource Officer Andrea Towler said.

When one speeds there is a price to pay. According to a document provided by Towler, if someone exceeds the speed limit between 1-5mph there is a $10 fine; 6-10 MPH, $25 fine; 11-15 MPH, $75 fine; 16-20 MPH, $125; 21 MPH or higher the fine would be $200.

HHS Principal Jay Opperman says that there are two motorcycle officers that monitor the school throughout the busiest times of the day.

“They give us extra help especially during morning and lunch,” Opperman said. “When you speed you increase the risk of injuring pedestrians.”

Many students who drive to and from school everyday find the cops and added security rather annoying.

“I usually obey the speed limit going 15 to 20 MPH,” junior Chelsey Anderson said.

Now that the school has the advantage of officers to warn people who speed, it will make for a safer environment at HHS, potentially saving lives. The next time someone speeds they will consider the consequences of speeding. Consequences could be a life or losing a lot of money.

Opperman and Towler both say that the fact is that when one speeds they increase the risk of injuries to pedestrians.

“When you speed and you end up hitting someone, it is your fault,” Towler said. “Drive defensively.”