Safe Routes to School: Reducing Traffic and Building Community
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.

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
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.
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.
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

NY Coalition Calls for Modernized Transportation for Vulnerable Students
A new statewide coalition is urging New York lawmakers to expand student transportation options for vulnerable students amid ongoing driver shortages.
Read More →
America Has a School Bus Passing Problem — and Distraction Is Making It Worse
Illegal school bus passing remains a major safety threat as distracted driving rises. This op-ed explores why awareness, enforcement, and stop-arm cameras matter more than ever.
Read More →
School Bus Laws to Watch: New York Delays EV Mandate
Plus, federal lawmakers seek new funding for school bus safety as states weigh stop-arm enforcement, disability protections, and education spending.
Read More →
The Essential Handbook for Safe Alternative Student Transportation
Your district's "exception riders" — students with IEPs, those experiencing homelessness, foster care youth — deserve more than a middleman solution. This handbook breaks down exactly what to look for in a supplemental transportation partner: from driver vetting and regulatory compliance to proactive safety technology. Because getting a ride isn't the same as getting a safe one.
Read More →
Operation STEER Brings Emergency Response Training to North Texas
Prosper ISD hosted the third annual training for transportation professionals across 67 districts to learn how to respond to emergencies, such as rollovers and evacuations, and proper use of safety equipment.
Read More →
Florida District Relaunches BusPatrol School Bus Camera Program With New Safeguards
After being suspended over due process concerns, Miami-Dade schools and law enforcement are restarting the AI-powered stop-arm camera program with new oversight.
Read More →
School Bus Laws To Watch: Seat Belt Bills, Funding Fights & EV Changes
From national bills on seat belts and driver oversight to driver awareness campaigns referencing “Finn’s Rule” and ongoing transportation funding debates in Alaska, here’s the latest in school bus legislation across the U.S.
Read More →
9-Year-Old Boy Killed by School Bus at Busy Brooklyn Intersection
A Williamsburg community is mourning after a child was fatally struck by a private yeshiva bus, prompting calls for urgent safety improvements at the high-traffic crossing.
Read More →
Does Reliable School Transportation Boost Attendance? EverDriven’s Data Says Yes
The new data shows 99.99% incident-free trips and strong on-time performance, reinforcing how dependable transportation, especially for vulnerable student populations, can help districts combat chronic absenteeism.
Read More →
NTSB Calls for Alcohol Impairment Systems, Seat Belts After W.V. Crash Investigation
The federal agency's report asks NHTSA to require all new school buses to be equipped with vehicle-integrated alcohol detection systems and passenger lap-shoulder belts.
Read More →
