Leticia Garcia, Maria Nieto, Becky Cruz and Esperanza Garza have one thing in common: they were all ticketed for speeding on Tuesday in Brownsville outside Vermillion Elementary School.
"It's a bad day for speeders man," Matt Garcia said.
The Speedzapper set up shop outside the school on Ruben Torres Boulevard.
Rivera High School is located right next door.
Patrolman Rey Ordonez joined forces on Streets of Speed to ensure our message to drivers to slow down got across.
The Speedzapper asked one driver which is worse: being busted by the Speedzapper or the motorcycle officer?
Becky Cruz: "The cop."
Speedzapper: "Why?"
Becky Cruz: "Cause I'm going to get a ticket."
It's been years since speeders were busted on radar on Streets of Speed outside the school.
Back in 2005, the speed limit outside the school was 25 miles per hour.
It remains reduced to that speed from 45 miles per hour even today.
But there are a number of differences.
BISD security guards now help with after school traffic.
In all, nearly a dozen district workers were spotted helping to safeguard parents and students after the bell.
It’s hard work, often put at risk by drivers who selfishly put themselves before the safety of others, according to Officer Ordonez.
"I'm in a hurry to go home.. cause my babies," Cruz said after she was ticketed.
Officer Ordonez said it was nothing new to hear excuses like that.
Speedzapper: "Do you think you could get a speeder everyday here?"
Officer Ordonez: "Yes."
Speedzapper: "Why?"
Officer Ordonez: "People are careless and they're not watching out for our children."
Celia Garza said tickets are the only way to get the message across to speeders.
"They're not going to feel so good when they get that fine," she said.
Matt Garcia believed “zapping” is right up there with the ticketing because it has the power to educate and humble motorists at the same time.
"It makes us feel safer man seeing you out here," he said.
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