School Signage

The main objective of installing school related signage is to increase the safety of children arriving and departing from school.

The following school signage typically indicate designated school crosswalk locations:

  • school advance sign
  • reduced speed zone sign
  • school crosswalk sign

Crosswalks

Crosswalks at stop signs and traffic signals are the preferred locations for students to cross the street because vehicles are required to stop.

Crosswalks at traffic signals show when it’s time to cross. Children should be taught to wait for the WALK symbol before crossing. When the WALK sign is on, cars should be stopped at a red light, making it safer to cross.

Reduced Speed School Zones

The City establishes reduced speed school zones in the vicinity of designated school crosswalks. They play a significant role in enhancing traffic safety and provide a safer crossing area for children walking to and from school.

These signs may or may not include flashing beacons.

School Zone Flashing Beacon

A School Zone Flashing Beacon is a pair of yellow lights that is typically installed with a reduced speed limit school zone sign. These beacons draw motorists’ attention to the reduced speed limit school zone sign.

All existing reduced speed school zones are eligible for flashing beacons. All new school developments are required to include school zone signs with flashing beacons as part of the design and construction of a new school.

The City began installing them in the mid-1990’s and will continue to do so as funding becomes available.

Fluorescent Yellow-Green Signs

Fluorescent yellow-green school signs can be effective tools for improving driver awareness of school zones. They draw attention to pedestrian activity related to the school in areas where sign clutter is a problem.

According to a 1993 Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) study, these signs improved the visibility of the sign message, and motorists were able to recognize the sign from a greater distance which made drivers more aware of what was going on around them.

Fluorescent yellow-green signs will be used:

  • during routine maintenance of school zone signs.
  • when a zone is upgraded to a flashing beacon assembly.
  • when a new school zone is established.

Driver Awareness

Flashing beacons and fluorescent signs help to draw attention to reduced speed school zones. These and other traffic control devices are only as effective as the willingness of drivers to cooperate.

We urge drivers to reduce their speed and remain alert when traveling near a school.

Back to top