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Every day, students across Miami-Dade make their way to school, and they rely on us as responsible citizens and community leaders to ensure their journeys are as safe as possible. With drivers last year striking and killing the highest number of pedestrians since 1981, we must recognize that deadly unsafe driving is on the rise – and we must do something about it. That is why I am wholeheartedly in favor of implementing automated speed devices in school zones throughout Miami-Dade County, and especially right here in Doral.
Speeding in school zones is a matter of great concern. We all know the signs, the flashing lights, and the lowered speed limits, but thousands of Miami-Dade drivers receive tickets for disregarding these warnings each year, putting our children at risk. And if unsafe drivers are behaving this badly in the presence of law enforcement, imagine their disregard for unmonitored school zones. Fast and reckless driving is an unacceptable, preventable risk to the safety of our school children, and it is our responsibility to address it head-on.
The Florida Legislature has paved the way for our local communities to introduce automated speed devices in school zones, which is a critical step in the right direction. Speed devices are unbiased and equal in their enforcement of traffic laws. They do not discriminate based on race, gender, or socioeconomic status – ensuring everyone is held accountable for their actions.
The goal of this initiative is not penalizing drivers, but protecting our children. These devices will automatically generate $100 tickets for drivers caught exceeding the speed limit by at least 10 miles per hour during school days. Importantly, citations issued will not result in points on violators’ driver’s licenses, but will serve as a reminder to slow down and drive responsibly. With plenty of signage and state-required public awareness campaigns, residents will know where devices are located and how to drive safely to avoid a ticket.
In Miami-Dade County, we are a community that cares and a community that looks out for one another. In our city, I have asked our staff to speak with service providers, like RedSpeed who was recently selected to implement school zone safety programs in two cities with Miami-Dade County – Pinecrest and Miami Gardens- and bring back information on Doral implementing this important safety program.
We’ve seen how implementing speed devices in school zones sends,a clear message: we are committed to creating a safer future for our children, one where they can travel to and from school without fear. As an aunt of six nephews in Miami-Dade County schools, I’m proud to support speed devices to keep the children in my family, and all our kids, safe. Let us stand together and prioritize the protection of our youngest citizens. Our children deserve nothing less.
