Speed Cameras Now Active in Miami-Dade: School Zones to Get Safer!

23555 SW 112th Avenue, Miami, FL 33032 - In a decisive move to enhance student safety, the Manatee County Board of Commissioners has approved a new agreement to install speed tracking cameras in school zones throughout the county. This initiative comes at a time when school zone cameras are already active, particularly as summer classes continue across South Florida. From June 20 to July 25, Miami-Dade County schools are operating, with 63 schools open during this busy period.

For residents, the ongoing summer session means that children are still making their way to and from school, which heightens the need for strict speed enforcement in these areas. In fact, active school zone speed cameras have now been installed at 11 schools in Miami-Dade County, which include:

• Goulds Elementary School: 23555 SW 112th Avenue, Miami, FL 33032
• Hammocks Middle School: 9889 Hammocks Boulevard, Miami, FL 33196
• Madie Ives K-8 Center: 20770 NE 14th Avenue, Miami, FL 33179
• Redland Middle School: 16001 SW 248 Street, Miami, FL 33031
• Devon Aire K-8 Center: 10501 SW 122 Avenue, Miami, FL 33186
• Highland Oaks Middle School: 2375 NE 203rd Street, Miami, FL 33180
• W.F. Stirrup Elementary School: 330 NW 97th Avenue, Miami, FL 33172
• Ruben Dario Middle School: 350 NW 97th Avenue, Miami, FL 33172
• American Senior High School: 18350 NW 67 Avenue, Miami, FL 33015
• Charles R Drew K-8 Center: 1775 NW 60th Street, Miami, FL 33142
• Robert Russa Moton Elementary School: 18050 Homestead Avenue, Miami, FL 33157

Legislation and Enforcement Details

A pivotal change in Florida’s traffic safety landscape came with the passage of House Bill 657 in July 2023. This important legislation allows for the enforcement of school zone speed limits using speed monitoring systems for violators exceeding 10 miles per hour over the limit. According to Miami-Dade County’s official report, this enforcement is particularly aimed at maintaining safety when children are arriving at or leaving school, as well as throughout the school day.

In Miami-Dade County, vehicles caught violating school speed limits will receive a minimum fine of $100 by mail, which is a reasonable measure to ensure compliance. Vehicle owners have options for handling these tickets, including payment, liability transfer, or contesting the citation, which can be done conveniently online or via phone.

Broader Implications and Safety Concerns

Beyond the local actions in Miami-Dade County, broader implications of this legislation have been highlighted nationwide. Recent studies have revealed alarming statistics about pedestrian safety; in 2019 alone, 296 children in the U.S. were injured weekly in pedestrian-related motor vehicle accidents, with seven fatalities recorded. The data underscores the urgency of improving safety measures in school zones.

Additionally, a study conducted by Jenoptik in Palm Beach County found that more than 70% of drivers exceeded speed limits during school drop-off and pick-up times, emphasizing the need for such legislation. With Jenoptik’s established expertise in traffic monitoring since 1955, the integration of their speed camera technologies aims to mitigate these hazards and foster a safer environment for students.

As Miami-Dade County embraces these changes, communities are encouraged to remain vigilant about school zone speed limits and the enforcement efforts in place. After all, there’s nothing more important than ensuring the safety of our children as they navigate their way through their education.