I Oppose AB-2583 Which Makes Unnecessary and Unreasonable Changes to School Zone Speed Limits

AB-2583 would lower school zone speed limits to 20 mph and expand the hours when these lower speed limits would be in effect from 7am – 9 am and from 2pm – 5pm. Meaning, speed limits on 55 mph roadways would lower to 20 mph at times when no children would likely be present.

15 and 20 mph school zones are currently reserved for roadways that can reasonably accommodate these lower speeds. It is unrealistic to expect compliance on roadways normally set at 35 mph or higher. It is also dangerous for school children because the unrealistic lower speed limit gives a false sense of security.

A comprehensive study by the Texas Transportation Institute at Texas A&M determined the most effective times for school zones to be active is ½ hour before school starts and ½ hour after school ends. The study also recommended that the school zone speed and length be predicated on the regular speed limit on that roadway, not a blanket 20 mph. The study explained that if you set school zone speed limits unreasonably low and make the active times too long, drivers begin to ignore them. This makes it less safe for children when those lower speeds might actually be needed.

In 2017 a similar bill to AB-2583 was introduced and it resulted in the matter being referred to Caltrans’ California Traffic Control Devices Committee for review. The CTCDC determined that no adjustment to the current school zone law was warranted although there was discussion about allowing the use of school zone flashing beacons. This issue has already been studied at length and this bill should be rejected out of hand.

This is a poorly thought-out bill that is totally unnecessary with no evidence to support the additional restrictions that would result. It will just create massive speed traps and calls for additional automated ticketing to try to get people to comply with ridiculously low speed limits.  

This would also increase the opportunity for additional unnecessary police interactions with members of traditionally marginalized communities, and expand law enforcement’s power to conduct and justify pretextual traffic stops.  At a minimum, this can result in hefty fines, and for those unable to pay, late fees and possible license suspensions leading to increased poverty. At their worst, traffic stops can turn lethal. Giving police newfound justification to pull people over and ticket them for violating arbitrarily set school zone speed limits is a recipe for disaster and will undermine much of the work that has been done in recent years to minimize the negative effects of over-policing of traffic laws on impoverished communities.

Please Vote NO on AB-2583!