As Boca Raton prepares for the new school year, local families should be aware of a sobering reality: school zones in our city have historically been hotspots for traffic accidents. Knowing the risks—and legal protections—can help keep your children safe.

📊 Boca Raton School Zone Accident Facts

• Studies show that within two‑thirds of a mile of several Boca Raton schools—including Boca Raton Elementary, Boca Raton Community High, and J.C. Mitchell Elementary—hundreds of crashes occurred.

  
  

  For instance:

  • 532 collisions near Boca Raton Elementary

  • 686 near the community high school

  • 422 around Somerset Academy Boca Middle School

• In the 2023–24 school year alone, Boca Raton police issued over 1,000 speeding citations in school zones—drivers caught exceeding the limit by 10+ mph during flash‑periods faced $100 fines, though no points or insurance hikes applied

• Both drivers and pedestrians are increasingly vulnerable due to regular speeding and distraction in these areas—even during active school zone hours

🛑 Why This Matters

• Florida law sets a 20 mph speed limit in school zones during arrival/dismissal periods. Breaching this limit can be considered negligence per se, strengthening personal injury claims.

• Speed reduces reaction time dramatically: someone hit at 30 mph is 75% more likely to be severely injured or killed compared to being hit at 20 mph.

🧹 What Boca Raton Parents & Drivers Can Do

Drivers:

• Always slow down in active school zones and obey flashing lights.

• Maintain full attention—Florida prohibits handheld cell phone use in school zones

• Never pass a stopped school bus with flashing red lights and stop‑arm deployed.

Parents & Students:

• Use crosswalks and crossing guards whenever possible.

• Walk with children to practice safe routes.

• Ensure bikers wear helmets and stay alert—no phones or earbuds near traffic.