Attitudes and Concerns of Drivers with Respect to School Zone Safety and Speed Compliance: Results of an Opinion Survey of Drivers

For years, traffic engineers and other roadway officials have tried to provide young children with safe havens for crossing the street on their way to and from school. At times, traffic engineers must reduce vehicular speeds in these school zones to provide safe and adequate gaps in traffic for children to cross the street. Traffic engineers face the challenge of identifying methods that will be most effective at increasing and maintaining speed limit compliance in reduced-speed school zones. A public opinion survey about current school-zone traffic control devices was conducted to evaluate and better understand drivers' opinions and attitudes about and their reactions to traffic control devices used to encourage speed compliance. The opinion survey of 762 drivers concluded that there was need to improve school zones in the state of Utah. Necessary improvements include education, better and more effective traffic control devices, and increased law enforcement. Education should focus on the need for slowing down in school zones as well as informing the public of increased fines for speeding in school zones. The survey revealed that education should be directed toward all people but should focus particular emphasis on younger drivers. According to the survey, traffic control devices such as flashing beacons, crossing guards, and speed monitoring displays (SMDs) will help drivers become more speed compliant. Increasing the visibility of school zones by using more noticeable traffic controls can also improve speed limit compliance. Sufficient compliance, however, also requires the help of law enforcement. Although most drivers do not require extensive law enforcement, it was found that some drivers still need such incentive to slow down in school zones.