County Approves 20 MPH School Zone Safety Initiative to Protect Children and Families
Following Board approval on May 5, the County is moving forward with a major safety initiative under Assembly Bill 382 to create safer streets for children, families, and school communities.
The newly adopted program will establish 20 mph speed limits in designated school zones, with installation of new signage scheduled to begin this summer.
Putting Children’s Safety First
School zones are among the most active pedestrian areas in our communities, with children walking, biking, and being dropped off and picked up each day. Lowering speeds in these areas helps create safer and more predictable conditions for students, parents, school staff, and drivers.
Even a small reduction in speed can have life-saving impacts by reducing both the likelihood of collisions and the severity of injuries when crashes occur.
Why 20 MPH Matters
Traffic safety research consistently shows that vehicle speed plays a critical role in crash survivability:
- At 20 mph, pedestrians have a significantly higher chance of survival
- At 25 mph and above, the risk of severe injury or fatality increases sharply
This initiative represents a proactive investment in preventing tragedies before they happen.
What Residents Can Expect
Beginning in Summer 2026, the County will begin implementing improvements at eligible school zones, including:
- Installation of new 20 mph school zone signs
- Enhanced pavement markings
- High-visibility crosswalk improvements where feasible
- Prioritization of locations with higher pedestrian activity and safety needs
Building Safer Communities
This effort supports broader traffic safety goals aimed at reducing serious injuries and fatalities while improving quality of life for residents.
With Board approval now complete, the County is taking meaningful action to protect its youngest residents and create safer streets for everyone.
Safer speeds mean safer streets—especially around our schools.