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Seattle classrooms have gone virtual, but students are still going to schools to pick up meals.

To help keep our students and their families safe, 20MPH school zone speed limits will be in effect during the hours that schools are open to students picking up meals.

“School lunches are a vital service for many Seattle Public School families and turning on the flashing beacons will remind drivers to watch for children on the street.” Mary Ellen Russell, chair of the School Traffic Safety Committee.

The bright yellow flashing lights on 20MPH signs near schools will flash between 10:45 am and 1:15 pm to show when the school zone speed limits are in effect. The lights will be flashing at 16 local schools (see list below) to remind drivers that students are present and to drive slow. Cameras issuing tickets will not be turned on. Our goal is to reduce speeds and if we continue to see increases, we will consider other speed reduction measures.

We’ve seen an uptick in driving speeds since the Stay Home, Stay Healthy order has been in place.

With less cars on the roads, drivers are tempted to step on the gas. Don’t do it!

Even when the school zone lights aren’t flashing, follow posted speed limits and watch out for people walking, rolling, or biking. Our health professionals are busy enough. All neighborhood streets are 20MPH, and if you’re driving on a major street, assume the speed limit is 25MPH unless otherwise posted.

Starting today through the end of June, the following School Zone speed limits will be in effect between 10:45 AM and 1:15 PM.