8 Components of a Safer School Zone

School zones are high-traffic areas that require special attention to ensure the safety of students, parents, and staff. With increasing levels of distracted driving (and distracted walking!), coupled with the fast-paced chaos of a school zone, it’s essential that cities, schools, and communities take proactive measures to create a safe environment for everyone.

It is important to take a holistic approach to school zone safety, recognizing that there are a long list of factors that each contribute to overall school zone safety. Starting from the design of the roads surrounding the school, to traffic calming measures on and around the street, to visibility and signage, to the presence of crossing guards – each piece builds on every other piece, and there is always room for improvement.

Key Strategies for Enhancing School Zone Safety

1. Get Clear on The Problem

It is easy to make assumptions about the traffic surrounding your school zone, but in order to make educated decisions (and apply for much-needed grants!), you should start by collecting accurate traffic data. Tools like our TDC 2 are small and discrete – drivers won’t even know that vehicle speed and counts are being collected, and so you will be able to get “real life” data about how people are driving when they think no one is watching. All of our other radar speed and messaging signs, like the PMG and MC360, can also collect traffic data.

You can then analyze this traffic data with tools like our Web Portal or our Easy Analyst software, creating reports to share with city government, law enforcement, grant-giving agencies, and even parents. This analysis can be used to make informed decisions about where to place additional safety measures, such as radar signs, crossing guards, or traffic calming devices.

2. Define the Zone

Next, make sure that your school zone is clearly defined. Make sure that you have signs on all sides of the school, and that the speed limit and hours of enforcement are clearly indicated.

3. Keep it Clear

If possible, try to keep the streets surrounding the drop-off and pick-up areas of your school free of parked vehicles, tall bushes, and other objects that may block a clear view of children about to dash across a street.

4. Traffic Calming Measures

Installing traffic calming measures, such as speed humps, raised crosswalks, and curb extensions, can significantly slow down vehicles in school zones. These physical barriers force drivers to reduce their speed, creating a safer environment for students. In areas where traffic calming measures are implemented, studies have shown a reduction in vehicle speeds and a decrease in accidents.

5. Enhanced Crosswalks

Well-marked and enhanced crosswalks can make a significant difference in school zone safety. Using bright colors, textured pavement, and high-visibility markings can draw attention to pedestrian crossings. Installing flashing beacons or in-roadway lights that activate when pedestrians are present can further improve safety by making crosswalks more noticeable to drivers.

6. Radar Speed Signs

Radar speed signs are highly effective in slowing down traffic by providing real-time feedback to drivers. These signs display the speed of approaching vehicles and can flash warnings when drivers exceed the speed limit. Studies have shown that radar speed signs can reduce speeding by up to 10%, making them an important tool in school zones.

The PMG Radar Speed Sign from Street Dynamics is a versatile option that can be customized to meet the specific needs of your school zone. In addition to displaying vehicle speeds, the PMG can show custom messages, graphics, and even emojis to reinforce safe driving behavior. The sign can also collect traffic data, which can be used to analyze traffic patterns and identify problem areas.

7. Messaging Trailers

Messaging trailers offer flexibility in communicating important information to drivers. These mobile signs can be placed in strategic locations during high-traffic times, such as school drop-off and pick-up hours, and can display messages reminding drivers to slow down or watch for pedestrians. Because they are portable, messaging trailers can be relocated as needed, making them a versatile solution for school zone safety.

The MC360 Messaging Trailer from Street Dynamics is an ideal option for school zones. With its large, rotating display, the MC360 can show vehicle speeds, text-based messages, and even graphics to capture drivers’ attention. The trailer is easy to tow and set up, and its solar-powered system ensures continuous operation without the need for frequent battery changes. Additionally, the MC360 can be equipped with radar and traffic data collection capabilities, allowing schools to monitor vehicle speeds and traffic patterns over time.

8. Crossing Guards

Crossing guards are an invaluable part of school zone safety. By actively managing pedestrian and vehicle traffic, crossing guards can prevent accidents and ensure that students cross streets safely. They provide an extra layer of protection, especially in areas with heavy traffic, and can serve as a visible reminder to drivers to stay alert.

Bringing It Together

Creating safer school zones requires a multifaceted approach that combines education, infrastructure improvements, and technology. By implementing clear signage, traffic calming measures, radar speed signs, and messaging trailers, communities can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and create a safer environment for students.

If you have any questions about what combination of products would work best for your unique school zone, please contact us.