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The Invisible School Zone Trap on Collins Road in Sunnyvale – Why Drivers Keep Getting Pulled Over (And How to Fix It)
If you're a regular on Collins Road (SH 352) in Sunnyvale—especially during school drop-off or pick-up hours—you've probably noticed the confusing setup around the Tripp Road roundabout.
You see the flashing "SCHOOL ZONE" sign with the reduced speed limit (typically 20–25 mph when active), slow down, make it through the roundabout… and then you're directly in front of Sunnyvale Elementary, Intermediate, Middle, and High School. Kids crossing. Buses loading. Parents everywhere.
But once you're past the roundabout? Crickets.
No repeat flashers. No “SCHOOL ZONE CONTINUES” signs. No obvious “END SCHOOL ZONE” marker. The initial warning is in your rearview, the roundabout naturally makes you think the hazard's cleared, and it's easy to accelerate—right into the heart of the school area.
I've witnessed it multiple times: drivers pulled over by Sunnyvale PD in that exact stretch. It’s not isolated. The layout seems to catch people off guard regularly.
What the Law Says
Texas law requires clear signage for school zones (Transportation Code §545.351 and TxDOT standards): entry warnings, active flashers or posted times, and ideally an “END SCHOOL ZONE” marker to clearly define the boundary.
In a multi-campus cluster like Sunnyvale ISD’s near Tripp and Collins, the zone spans blocks for good reason—student safety. But if markings fade or aren't reinforced after the roundabout, confusion is inevitable.
The Fine Difference
School zone violations carry stiffer penalties. Fines run approximately $128 (including state costs), compared to around $103 for standard traffic violations, per Sunnyvale Municipal Court guidelines.
Add insurance increases, points, and potential license implications—and the cost climbs fast.
The Transparency Issue
Public stats on citations at this location? Hard to find.
The Town of Sunnyvale does not publish detailed, location-specific enforcement data online. Older reports during the Dallas County Sheriff contract era provided town-wide totals, but since Sunnyvale PD became independent in 2019, granular breakdowns aren’t publicly available.
Without accessible data, it's difficult to determine whether this stretch is a high-enforcement hotspot or simply prone to design confusion.
Is this a deliberate revenue generator? Probably not. The priority should always be protecting students. But unclear boundaries make tickets feel avoidable—and that perception matters.
Simple, Practical Fixes
There are straightforward, low-cost improvements that could reduce confusion and increase safety:
- Install repeat “SCHOOL ZONE” signs or flashers immediately after the roundabout.
- Add pavement markings (“SCHOOL ZONE”) in front of the campuses.
- Place a clear “END SCHOOL ZONE” sign beyond the schools.
- Add “SCHOOL ZONE AHEAD” reminders for southbound drivers approaching the roundabout.
Clear boundaries reduce unintentional violations and improve safety for students and drivers alike.
Want the Data? Here’s How.
You can file a Public Information Request under the Texas Open Records Act with Sunnyvale PD or Municipal Court.
Suggested request language:
“Please provide the number of citations issued for school zone violations on Collins Road near Tripp Road for the past 1–3 years, including dates and violation types.”
Agencies typically must respond within 10 business days. Fees may apply for extensive searches.
Contact information:
Sunnyvale PD (Non-emergency): (972) 226-4606
Town Hall: (972) 226-7177
Website: townofsunnyvale.org
You can also reach out to town council, public works, or Sunnyvale ISD regarding signage improvements.
Let’s Improve It
If you've received a citation here, noticed frequent traffic stops, or experienced the same confusion, share your experience. Constructive feedback leads to better design—and better design protects kids.
Clearer markings benefit everyone: fewer surprises for drivers, safer streets for families.
Drive safe, Sunnyvale.
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