FACT SHEET

School Zone Safety

August 2009

Washington State law, RCW 46.61.440, outlines the definition of a school zone, as well as the basis for the increased fines for those violating the speed limit in these areas.

The speed limit in school zones is 20 mph, and the fines for speeding in school zones range from $189.00 - $784.00, depending on how far over the speed limit a driver is going. 

Studies show that a child has an 80% - 90% chance of survival if struck by a car travelling 20 mph; however, that same child would be killed 90% of the time if struck by a car going 5-10 miles per hour faster.

• A school zone, as defined in statute, is 600 feet long.
• A vehicle going 20 mph will travel through a school zone in approximately 20 seconds.
• A vehicle going 30 mph will cover this same distance in approximately 13.5 seconds.
• A 10 mph increase in speed significantly endangers a child, but saves only a marginal amount of time.

A study completed by the Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) identified flashing yellow beacon lights as one of the most effective ways to reduce speeds of vehicles in school zones.  On average, drivers travelled five to seven miles per hour slower when the flashing lights were active, a small but crucial safety difference.

In July 2009, the WTSC awarded nearly $1.5 million to 159 elementary schools to purchase these lighting systems to enhance the safety of children walking, riding their bicycles and being transported to school.

Elementary schools were prioritized with these funds, as younger children have limited depth perception, and less well refined judgment and cognitive skills.

Projects selected for funding were based, in part, on school zone specific data to include average vehicle speeds, traffic volumes, numbers of collisions and roadway design.

Resources for this project are received from the School Zone Safety Account, and all funds from this account are generated from fines imposed on drivers who speed in school zones.