The Twilight, er, School Zone!
By Genipher
@Genipher (5405)
United States
November 28, 2018 1:22pm CST
I've often wondered why our school zone signs tell us to slow to 20mph during the hours of 8-5. I understand having a restriction, but why those particular hours? See, while my family homeschools and we don't have to deal with the stress of dropping off and picking up kids at school, we've been witness to the times kids arrive at (7:30am) and get let free from public school (3pm).
During those times, logically, the kids are in a secure building and not roaming the streets like a pack of wild dogs. If the kids are where they're supposed to be, then there is no danger in upping the speed during actual school hours, right? Since that is the case, shouldn't the school zone driving restrictions be more like the sign above?
And ... why extend the time to 5pm when the kids are long, long gone by then?
Sometimes I just don't understand Oregon. 
5 people like this
6 responses
I see more kids walking around in the evening, when it's starting to get dark, than during school hours.
@Genipher (5405)
• United States
30 Nov 18
You know, now that I think about it the school near us often has the teachers taking lines of kids out for walks. I haven't figured out where they go (the park, maybe?) but it happens often enough that the driving restriction makes sense.
I don't remember MY teachers taking us out for walks. So unfair! 
1 person likes this
@m_audrey6788 (58485)
• Germany
28 Nov 18
I think they just want to lessen accidents from happening. It`s better to be safe than sorry 
1 person likes this
@Genipher (5405)
• United States
30 Nov 18
You're right, of course. I would much rather have to drive more slowly and keep the kiddos safe. I just remembered that, on occasion, the teachers at the school near us will take the kids on walks. Reminds me of little ducklings following after their mama. They'll pass right by our window and wave.
So they're not always locked in their dungeon, er, classroom all day after all.
So they're not always locked in their dungeon, er, classroom all day after all.
@Genipher (5405)
• United States
7 Dec 18
@akalinus
People are in too much of a hurry these days, that's for sure. The kids that got hit at the bust stop? That was during a legitimate time for driving restriction. I 100% agree drivers shouldn't be upset about slowing down during after school/before school hours!
1 person likes this
@Genipher (5405)
• United States
30 Nov 18
I can totally understand for pick up and drop offs. That story of the woman who ran over the three kids recently? That was crazy on the part of the driver and so sad for the parents. I was appalled that someone would drive ignore the bus lights like that! 
I had forgotten about after school events. I'd argue that the elementary school near us doesn't host such events and that the driving rules could be changed depending on the school but...that would be too much of a hassle. Which is why they make all the signs in the area/state the same, eh?
I had forgotten about after school events. I'd argue that the elementary school near us doesn't host such events and that the driving rules could be changed depending on the school but...that would be too much of a hassle. Which is why they make all the signs in the area/state the same, eh?
@Genipher (5405)
• United States
30 Nov 18
Most schools here are pretty secure. Kids can't leave without permission...though there was one time I found a kid from the elementary school had run away and hid in our wood shed. For rare cases like that, I can see why they'd enforce the lower speed limit during school hours.
1 person likes this
