The Traffic Lady

Karen Brown, Lewisville's Traffic Control Officer, has a commanding presence!

Playing in the Traffic?

When Karen Brown was a little girl, her mother would lovingly coax her out of the house by saying: “Karen, go out and play in the traffic!” Looking back, such well-meaning humor from Karen’s mother appears to have been prophetic.

You see, Karen has been “playing in the traffic” for 10 years now as a Traffic Control Officer for the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Department. Karen works part-time, in the mornings and afternoons, directing traffic at both Lewisville Elementary School and West Forsyth High School.

The steady stream of cars, trucks and buses flows like clockwork as Karen Brown directs traffic in front of Lewisville Elementary School.

“I Love My Job!”

Karen Brown enjoys her job so much as a Traffic Control Officer that I don’t believe an 18-wheeler could drag her off the street! Although her friends and co-workers have occasionally suggested she explore other job opportunities within the Sheriff’s Department, Karen won’t budge.

No, nothing can keep Karen Brown from standing in the middle of a busy street and bringing order to traffic movement! Not the lure of another job, nor even the threat of bad weather. In fact, Karen likes her job even more when the weather is bad.

“I love my job! And I love it when it rains. It’s more of a challenge.” Rain, sleet, snow — the worse it is, the better she likes it.

Can you imagine what it would be like trying to enter and leave Lewisville School on school days without Karen Brown's assistance?

One Tough Lady

Karen frequently waves and smiles while directing multi-ton vehicles on their way. But don’t go thinking you’ll sneak by her. No, sir.

“Cars tend to speed up when it rains,” says Karen. “They think, ‘Well, it’s raining. She’s not going to stop me.’ But guess what? I’m going to stop you!”

Plus, there will be no turning in front of Karen if you’re in the wrong lane. “If you’re not in the middle lane, you’re not going to turn.”

Karen Brown gives the go-ahead for a vehicle to enter Lucy Lane at Lewisville School.

The Right Stuff

Karen’s sharp eyes constantly watch in all directions, as her quick mind calculates the timing for stopping and starting the various lines of traffic headed her way. She even notices the particular cars that are stopped at the traffic light a short distance away, and she tries to make sure she doesn’t stop those same cars again.

One lane of traffic is halted as Karen Brown signals another lane to move ahead.

Found Her Calling

Yes, you might say Karen Brown has found her calling, and she’s one happy Traffic Lady: “They’re going to bury me in my uniform! I love doing my job!”

And thanks for doing such a great job, Karen!

With her hands constantly on the move, Karen Brown keeps traffic flowing like clockwork in front of Lewisville School.

Give Karen a Shoutout

If you’ve been a fortunate recipient of Karen Brown’s expert traffic direction, give her a shoutout in the Comment section below!