School Zone Safety and Operational Problems at Existing Elementary Schools

The growing number of schoolchildren being dropped off or picked up in private vehicles poses significant challenges related to student safety and traffic operations in school zones. These private vehicles must compete for space at schools with buses, bicycles, and pedestrians. This study uses on-site observations, traffic data collection, and interviews with schools, law enforcement and traffic engineers to identify transportation safety issues at elementary school sites in Iowa. Some problems frequently observed included crossing at unmarked crosswalks, unloading and loading students on the street-side, inattentive student safety patrols, and illegal parking. A range of recommendations for mitigating these problems are suggested. The recommendations include separation of transportation modes, the development of a structured arrival and dismissal protocol for parents and students, and frequent communication with parents and students about the school's expectations for the before and after school periods.