Speed at schools and kindergartens

Areas around schools and kindergartens are among the most dangerous stretches of traffic. Children have limited traffic understanding and can act unexpectedly. Therefore, there are strict requirements for speed.

Speed limits and signage

Danger sign as “Child” warns that children may be in or near the road. The sign means that you need to slow down and be ready to stop.

Children’s behaviour in traffic

• Children have tunnel vision and do not see cars from the side as well as adults.
• They can suddenly run out into the road after a ball or a friend.
• Young children do not understand distances and speeds.
• Children’s height makes them difficult to see behind parked cars.

Risk of injury at different speeds

The difference between 30 and 50 km/h is dramatic. Ten km/h extra can mean the difference between life and death.

Practical tips

• Slow down well in advance, preferably before you see the sign, if you know that there is a school nearby.
• Look for children on sidewalks, at pedestrian crossings and between parked cars.
• Pay special attention in the period 07:30–08:30 and 13:00–15:00 when children walk to and from school.
• Use the three-second rule as a minimum, and increase in poor visibility.
• Remember that prohibitory sign may further restrict driving in school zones.

Further reading

• Speed in residential zone
• Vulnerable road users
• Danger sign and warning triangle
• Custom Speed & Hidden Hazard
• School route and residential zones