What is the importance of reducing speed in a school zone?

Reducing speed in a school zone is critically important for preventing accidents involving children. School zones typically see a high volume of pedestrian traffic, especially during times when students are arriving and leaving school. Children, being smaller and less visible, may not always be aware of surrounding traffic, and they can be unpredictable in their movements. By lowering speed limits in these areas, drivers have more time to react if a child suddenly enters the roadway or behaves unexpectedly, significantly lowering the risk of serious injuries or fatalities in the event of an incident.

While there are benefits to controlling vehicle speed for reasons of driver comfort, vehicle control, and maintenance, the primary focus in school zones is on the safety of children. The emphasis on speed reduction is thus a proactive measure aimed directly at protecting the most vulnerable road users.