SBF 70 years logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

School Zone Speedsters: Nearly 10,000 Violations in Jacksonville

Verra Mobility releases results of a recent three-day speed study in a Florida city, which shows numerous violations among drivers in the area, yet overwhelming support for safety measures in areas with school children.

a school zone speed limit sign

The study found that Ford Elementary had the highest number of speeding incidents in the Jacksonville area, with over 3,000 potential violations, representing 43% of all morning drop-offs.

Photo: SBF/Canva

2 min to read


Over just three days in 11 school zones across Jacksonville, Fla., nearly 10,000 speeding violations were captured. 

This is from a recent study conducted by Verra Mobility, where they uncovered more alarming speed stats.

Ad Loading...

After HB 657 passed in Florida last year, the speed study was conducted throughout dozens of Florida communities over a three-day period to better understand the speeding issues within local school zones. 

In Jacksonville, 11 of the 205 school zones were monitored, resulting in 9,832 potential speeding violations, according to the company's news release.

Among the most alarming findings:

  • Ford Elementary had the highest number of speeding violations of local schools, with more than 3,000 potential violations – 43% of all morning drop-off traffic.

  • More than 1,000 vehicles were registered speeding through New Berlin Elementary School. This equates to 9% of all traffic.

  • Payne Elementary showed nearly 800 potential speeding violations equating to 27% of all traffic.

  • Chimney Lakes Elementary captured 16% of morning traffic and nearly 8% of all traffic during pick-up violated the posted speed, resulting in more than 1,000 speeding vehicles.

Verra Mobility said that most drivers are unaware of the low-speed limits in school zones: A public opinion survey conducted by Sachs Media found that only 35% of Floridians know the maximum speed limit in school zones is 20 mph.

Ad Loading...

Floridians Support Increased Safety Measures to Protect Children

Despite the number of violations noted, the study also found overwhelming support among area residents.

  • 80% of Floridians support cameras in school zones to catch speeding drivers, and 87% back the use of cameras on school buses to enforce stop laws.

  • Three out of four respondents expressed worries about distracted drivers putting children in danger on the road around schools and school buses.

Verra Mobility said it plans to work with Florida communities to implement solutions to these issues.

"Our existing school zone camera programs have shown significant reductions in speeding violations, with some programs achieving a 70% decrease in violations – proving that these programs work to change driver behavior," their news release stated.

"This study underscores the need for increased awareness and enforcement of school zone safety measures. With public support for stronger protections, Florida communities have an opportunity to make significant strides in keeping children safe."

More Safety

zonar system image
SponsoredApril 20, 2026

2026 State of Student Transportation Report

Student transportation teams are being asked to do more with less, facing driver shortages, rising costs, and increasing safety expectations. This report uncovers how fleets are adapting, where technology is making the biggest impact, and why student ridership tracking is emerging as a top priority. Download the report to explore the key trends shaping 2026 and what they mean for your operation.

Read More →
A close-up view of the top of a yellow school bus with “School Bus” signage and red lights, overlaid with a cracked-glass effect. Text on the image reads, “Multi-Vehicle Crash in TN Takes 2 Lives” and “March 27, 2026,” with the School Bus Fleet logo in the corner.
Safetyby Staff and News ReportsApril 17, 2026

2 Students Die in Tennessee School Bus Crash with Dump Truck

A Carroll County accident claimed the lives of two students and injured over a dozen others on a March 27 field trip for eighth graders at Clarksville-Montgomery County. A preliminary report adds new information to the story.

Read More →
A black, white, and red graphic with an image of Wisconsin political figures by a table and text reading "Legislative Roundup April 2026."
Safetyby Elora HaynesApril 17, 2026

School Bus Laws to Watch: Driver Shortages, EV Debates & Safety Upgrades

From driver shortage solutions in Tennessee and rural connectivity debates in Utah to new safety laws in Wisconsin and ongoing electric bus mandate discussions in New York and Connecticut, here’s the latest in school bus legislation across the U.S.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A rendering of the 6th-generation Waymo Driver on Hyundai’s all-electric IONIQ 5 SUV
Safetyby Staff and News ReportsApril 9, 2026

Senate Report: Autonomous Car Companies Hiding Reliance on Remote Operators

Waymo’s self-driving vehicles are under fire again after repeated school bus passing violations, raising questions about safety, remote operators, and regulation.

Read More →
Children cross in front of a stopped school bus with its stop arm extended while a nearby vehicle waits, illustrating school zone safety and risks of illegal passing.
Safetyby News/Media ReleaseApril 9, 2026

Industry Suppliers Offer Distracted Driving Awareness Month Reminders

Distracted driving continues to pose serious risks in school zones, with new data and driver insights highlighting ongoing concerns and potential solutions to improve student and roadway safety.

Read More →
Graphic featuring a headshot of Michael Graham, Vice Chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board, wearing a dark suit and red tie against an orange gradient background, with “Leadership Update” and School Bus Fleet branding on the left.
Safetyby StaffApril 8, 2026

NTSB Names Michael Graham Vice Chair: Where He Stands on School Bus Safety

A former airline pilot has stepped into a new role at the independent federal agency, but where does he stand on issues like seat belts on school buses? Here’s what he’s said.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Graphic with bold yellow background and red headline reading “A Split Second from Disaster,” alongside a photo of a freight train traveling down railroad tracks. Subtext reads, “What one incident reminds us about railroad crossing safety,” with School Bus Fleet branding at the bottom.
Safetyby Amanda HuggettApril 7, 2026

'A Train Is Coming': Florida School Bus Close Call Highlights Critical Railroad Safety Reminders

Two recent close calls at railroad crossings, a train clipping a bus and a rear-end crash, highlight why vigilance and training still matter. Here’s what happened and what to tell your own drivers.

Read More →
Safetyby Staff and News ReportsApril 7, 2026

No Train, No Stop? FMCSA Considers Rule Change for School Buses

The federal agency's proposed rulemaking would eliminate the requirement for school buses to come to a complete stop at railroad crossings if the warning device is not activated. The goal: to improve traffic flow and save costs. With new data released, public comment is open through April 27, 2026.

Read More →
Row of yellow school buses with overlay text reading “The essential guide to school bus fleet maintenance: Maximizing safety and uptime” and the Geotab logo.
SponsoredApril 1, 2026

The Essential Guide to School Bus Maintenance: Maximizing Safety and Uptime

Stop reacting to engine lights and start predicting them. This guide reveals how transitioning from a "break-fix" model to a data-driven maintenance strategy can drastically reduce fleet downtime and protect your district's budget. Learn how to transform your garage operations from a cost center into a reliability powerhouse.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A black, white, and red graphic with an image of a stop-arm gate and text reading "Legislative Roundup March 2026."
Safetyby Elora HaynesMarch 30, 2026

School Bus Laws to Watch: Stop-Arm Enforcement, EV Mandates & Seat Belts

From North Dakota public charter school regulations, tracking illegal school bus passing consequences in multiple states, and the continued debate on New York’s electric school bus mandate, here’s the latest in school bus legislation across the U.S.

Read More →