Twin Falls, Idaho ( KMVT-TV / KTWT-TV ) The Twin Falls Police Department has ramped up its efforts when it comes to enforcing laws in school zones.

"You always need to be alert, you can't be on your phone, you have to be going slow, just take every precaution you can because the kids don't."

Tricia Jones is a regular on these streets as her son goes to I.B. Perrine Elementary School.

"I usually see a lot of people that aren't taking care because it is a school zone and there's a lot of young children that dart in the road and there's just a lot of people that go very fast through here," says Jones.

James Jones, Tricia's son adds, "I do see some drivers going nuts around here...You never know if one of your friends will be run over or something like that."

For the past year, the Twin Falls Police Traffic Team was out on patrol, helping alleviate some manpower concerns.

"So they were assisting with regular patrol calls...Now there is a dedicated traffic team and now they're spending time working specifically on traffic safety issues," says Sgt. Ryan Howe.

Howe adds, "speeding in a school zone could cost you some major bucks. It you're caught, you're facing a $156 penalty compared to $90 speeding ticket elsewhere."

And if you pass a bus, don't think you can talk your way out of a ticket.

"We don't have a choice on writing a citation. If we find someone who violates the code for passing a school bus and that's a misdemeanor, there's a fine on that set by a judge. We don't actually set a fine on that one," adds Howe.

Safety before speed, a law Twin Falls Police is trying to promote.