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SAFETYSCHOOL SPEED ZONESTo complement long term construction and roadway realignmentnear schools, NYCDOT has dramatically increased its work to lowerspeed limits and signify the presence of students on foot aroundschool zones with signs and street markings. This effort, combinedwith the Safe Routes to Schools program described in Chapter 1,comprises the most comprehensive and effective school safetyprogram in the United States.NYCDOT’s School Speed Zones use signage, regulation, flashinglights, high visibility street markings and, where appropriate, speedhumps to slow drivers in areas around schools. Speed limits in thezones are as low as 15 miles per hour.Since 2008, DOT has improved the street markings and signagearound nearly 1,500 primary and secondary schools.NYCDOT has approved 305 blocks around schools low speedlimits, with 189 implemented with flashing lights and regulatorychanges imposing 15 or 20mph speed limits. The 108 additionalslow speed blocks are in the implementation pipeline, while analysisis underway for additional schools.School Slow Zone40Chapter 3: Tools for Safe Streets