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November 14, 2024Florida speed study produces nearly 10,000 potential speeding violations at Jacksonville area schools
With recently passed legislation in Florida, we conducted a speed study throughout dozens of Florida communities to better understand the speeding issues within local school zones. The study was taken during a three-day period.
In Jacksonville, 11 of the 205 school zones were monitored, resulting in 9,832 potential speeding violations.
Here are some of the most alarming findings:
- Ford Elementary had the highest number of speeding violations of local schools with more than 3,000 potential speeding violations – this represents 43 percent of all morning drop-off traffic.
- More than 1,000 vehicles were registered speeding through New Berlin Elementary School. This equates to nine percent of all traffic.
- Payne Elementary showed nearly 800 potential speeding violations equating to 27 percent of all traffic.
- Chimney Lakes Elementary captured 16 percent of morning traffic and nearly eight percent of all traffic during pick-up violated the posted speed, resulting in more than 1,000 speeding vehicles.
These results are particularly troubling considering that many drivers are unaware of the low-speed limits in school zones. A public opinion survey conducted by Sachs Media found that only 35% of Floridians know the maximum speed limit in school zones is 20 mph.
The good news is that Floridians overwhelmingly support increased safety measures to protect children.
The survey found:
- Strong support for safety cameras: 80% of Floridians support cameras in school zones to catch speeding drivers and 87% back the use of cameras on school buses to enforce stop laws.
- Concern about dangerous driving: Three out of four respondents expressed worries about distracted drivers putting children in danger on the road around schools and school buses.
As a leading provider of both school zone speed safety and school bus stop arm safety programs, we are committed to working with Florida communities to implement solutions. Our existing school zone camera programs have shown significant reductions in speeding violations, with some programs achieving a 70% decrease in violations – proving that these programs work to change driver behavior.
This study underscores the need for increased awareness and enforcement of school zone safety measures. With public support for stronger protections, Florida communities have an opportunity to make significant strides in keeping children safe.