RIO RANCHO, N.M. — If you have a lead foot in Rio Rancho, beware because Rio Rancho police are increasing patrols around school zones. 

This comes after several complaints about speeders and other dangerous drivers in those zones. 

Not only have police put up a notice on their social media but they’ve also sent out a PSA to parents at Rio Rancho Public Schools.

Capt. Jacqueline Reedy tells KOB 4 she hopes these increased patrols help slow drivers down. 

The Rio Rancho Police Department wants drivers to obey the speed limit in school zones. 

They’re also asking parents and guardians to be patient during school pickup and drop-off because there are so many children walking to and from school. 

Not only are people speeding but police are also seeing more distracted drivers, including people on their cell phones. 

Parents and guardians can expect to see more police officers during pickup and drop-off for a while. 

“I think with spring fever in the air, people are just getting a little bit lax in the school zones, and we just want to raise awareness to slow people down, to ensure children are safely buckled in, and to ensure that people are not talking on their cell phones, especially in school zones,” Capt. Reedy said.

Capt. Reedy told KOB 4 she hopes education and increasing patrols will do the trick. If not, they will start citing people.