The case for school zone speed enforcement

Last month, a beloved crossing guard was severely injured after being struck by a vehicle just outside an elementary school in Fayette County, Georgia.

Affectionately known as “Mr. Dave,” 74-year-old Dave Spatz was performing his duties at the time. After his collision with the vehicle, Spatz landed 10 to 15 away from the crosswalk and reportedly suffered from a head wound.

“To the kids, he isn’t just ‘the crossing guard,’” a fundraiser launched to help with his medical expenses read. “He’s Mr. Dave, the man who makes them feel seen, safe and special on their way to and from school.”

Unfortunately, what happened to Mr. Dave is not unique. Hundreds of school crossing guards are struck by cars every year. Experts say the true number is likely far higher than what gets reported.

Mr. Dave’s story is a serious reminder of how dangerous the roadways can be, even with lower speed limits in school zones where children are at risk. Data show that many drivers consider school zone speed limits more of a suggestion than a requirement.

In Hillsborough County, a January 2026 analysis of vehicles traveling through school zones during the school day found some drivers exceeding the speed limit by more than 40 miles per hour. Florida ranks second in the country for the highest number of pedestrian accidents. Speed has been a factor in half of all motor vehicle fatalities for the past two decades. And across the United States, pedestrian fatalities have risen 58% between 2013 and 2023.

Local governments across Florida are partnering with companies like RedSpeed USA to bring automated enforcement to school zones. The program, which has been deployed in Miami, Tallahassee, Sarasota and Fort Walton Beach, among others, issues a notice of violation and a $100 fine to drivers traveling more than 11 mph over the posted speed limit. No points are assessed against a driver’s record, and city personnel make the final determination on whether a notice is issued.

“This system is an effective tool to encourage compliance and speed limits, ultimately protecting students and pedestrians,” explains Fort Walton Beach Chief of Police Robert Bage in a video posted by the city. “Photo enforcement ensures consistent and equitable speed limit enforcement every school day regardless of police staffing levels.

For every $100 violation, nearly $80 is reinvested into public safety initiatives, including law enforcement training and recruitment, enhanced school safety efforts and training for crossing guards like Mr. Dave. The remainder supports the technology, installation, verification and public awareness necessary to operate the program. The program does not cost taxpayers a dime. It is funded entirely by the drivers who break the law.

In Hillsborough County, where cameras were installed in 2024, early results show the program is working. Speeding in enforced zones has dropped significantly, and more than 90% of violators do not receive a second violation.

The added benefit is one law enforcement agencies should welcome: technology-based enforcement in school zones frees officers to focus on crime and community safety, extending the reach of our already stretched law enforcement.

“This technology encourages long-term behavioral changes by reminding drivers that school zone speed limits are always enforced,” according to Bage. “These cameras allow for continuous school zone speed enforcement without requiring officers to be physically present, enabling law enforcement personnel to focus on other public safety priorities while still encouraging school zone safety.”