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Excessive speeding in a motor vehicle is unjustifiable in most situations – but especially so in situations involving bystanders that are at particularly high-risk, such as pedestrian schoolchildren.  In a 2015 report conducted by the Federal Highway Administration, it was estimated that nearly 44 children are involved in pedestrian collisions with motor vehicles every day, a substantial percentage of whom were hit while walking to and from school.

Fortunately, Florida law recognizes that the safety of pedestrian school children is paramount and has developed extensive law to protect schoolchildren from negligent and reckless drivers.

Speed Limits in School Zones

Under Florida law, the speed limit in Florida school zones ranges from 15 to 20 miles per hour in urbanized areas, though the exact limits may vary depending on local regulations.  To confirm whether you have entered or are entering a school zone, keep on the lookout for signs with flashing lights indicating that the limited school zone speed limit applies.

Of course, even when individuals strictly adhere to the speed limit, accidents may still occur if drivers are inattentive.  Children tend to move in unexpected ways and may not be fully aware of the dangers presented by motor vehicles on adjacent roads.  Individuals driving in school zones are encouraged to slow down and pay attention.  Drivers should note their surroundings carefully in order to respond to the unexpected movements of children coming onto the roadway.

Additional Punishment

Florida law applies a double fine for speeding in a school zone to further discourage drivers from engaging in negligent or reckless behavior around school children.  Doubled fines can easily tally up to $500 or more (see the fines chart on the Florida DMV website).

Fines are only just scratching the surface, however.  Individuals who are speeding in a school zone and injure or otherwise endanger a pedestrian may be subjected to civil (or even criminal) litigation.   

Preventing an Accident

Besides slowing down to the speed limit or below the speed limit, drivers should take care to focus on the roadway and the pedestrians in the school zone area.  When approaching pedestrian school children, it helps to prepare for unexpected events.

For example, one child may push his friend into the street in front of a vehicle.  If a driver is not driving slow enough, he or she may not have time to react and respond.  The vehicle may not be able to swerve out of the way or come to a complete stop, thus causing a collision.

Exercise extra caution around school buses.  They are a hub of activity, and their obtrusive shape can make it difficult to identify school children alighting from the vehicle.

Drivers should not pass a school bus that is loading or unloading school children.  It is a fineable violation of Florida law – and if a driver is ticketed for the same violation more than once in a five-year period, his or her license could be suspended.  It is worth being patient.  Wait until the bus “stop sign” retracts before passing.

If you or a family member has been injured in a motor vehicle accident located in or around a Florida school zone, speak with a skilled Cape Coral personal injury attorney like Randall Spivey at Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.  Contact us today for a free and confidential consultation to discuss your rights.