The Cincinnati Police Department wants to put speeders on notice:  Speed limits in school zones will be strictly enforced.  Lt. Robert Hungler of the CPD Traffic Unit notes, “Each year we receive some complaints of speeding in school zones, and we target enforcement to address those complaints.  This year, complaints of drivers ignoring school zone speed limits are continuing even after our targeted enforcement efforts around the city.  As a result, the Cincinnati Police will increase the number of officers on patrol in school zone areas, and we will strictly enforce the 20 mph speed limit in these areas.” 

Safety is the preeminent reason for reduced speed limits around schools during their hours of operation. It’s pure physics that the time and distance required to stop a vehicle increase dramatically with the speed that vehicle is traveling.  For a driver with good reaction time traveling 20 mph in a vehicle in good mechanical condition, the shortest stopping distance is 84 feet.  Increasing the speed to 30 mph increases stopping distance to 188 feet.  At 40 mph, the distance rises to 335 feet.  Children who are interacting with classmates and friends going to and from school are likely to be distracted and may not pay attention to traffic conditions. By driving carefully and within the legal speed limit, motorists can help to protect the safety of children on their way to and from school.