What is the main purpose of the school zone speed limit?

The primary reason for the school zone speed limit is to protect children walking to and from school. School zones are typically busy areas during the times when students arrive and leave for the day. By implementing lower speed limits in these zones, the risk of accidents is significantly reduced. Children, often distracted and less aware of their surroundings than adults, may unexpectedly cross streets or dart out from between parked cars. The reduced speed limit allows drivers to have more time to react to any sudden movements from children, thereby enhancing their safety.

This measure is crucial in creating a safer environment for students, ensuring that they can navigate to and from school with reduced risk of injury. It's a preventive action aimed at safeguarding the most vulnerable road users—children—who may not fully understand traffic rules or the dangers that can occur on the road.