Fresno becomes first CA city to reduce school zone speed limits to 20mph

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- The City of Fresno is taking a major step in making school zones safer for students and drivers by reducing the speed limit.

Fresno City Mayor Jerry Dyer and City Council President Nelson Esparza announced on Wednesday morning a speed limit reduction to school zones across the city.

The usual 25MPH zones will now be a 20MPH limit.

"5 miles doesn't seem like a lot but the reality is in terms of reaction time for the driver, it is enough time to be between striking a child and not striking a child. It's enough time to give a child who may be in front of a car time to get out of the way of the car," explains Mayor Dyer.

The move comes five years ahead of California's goal to reduce all school zone speed limits by 2031.

The resolution was introduced to the city council by Esparza earlier this year.

As a parent himself, he has a message to drivers, as kids start going back to school: "Slow down around our children, put down your phone, watch the sidewalks, stop before the crosswalk, obey your crossing guards at your local school and if you are running late, then be late. Wherever you are going is not worth a child's life."

Around 800 speed limit signs have been replaced across Fresno.

The $400,000 investment is worth it, says the city.

And students agree, as they now feel safer about their commute to and from school.

"I find myself always looking and cars passing by quickly, not even looking at the kids so I definitely think this will be a lot safer for us kids and the drivers," says CTEC Sophomore, Alekxy Gonzalez.

Kennedy Romero, also a sophomore at CTEC, shares, "My family and I actually were in a car crash this year and it was because of somebody who was close behind and going really fast so I think this change is really good for children to stay safe."

Sophomore CTEC, Ezequiel Guzman, who walks to school and has friends who ride their scooters, expresses, "Now I don't have to worry about my friends or family being hit by a car now so it's really great."

Safer roads for kids and saving lives, that's the city's goal, says Mayor Dyer, "We are trying to prevent a family from having to go through that type of tragedy, heartache and destruction in their lives. There is no greater loss than to lose a child and what we are doing today I have no doubt will save the lives of children for generations to come."

The city also shared its plans to increase police presence near campuses as students go back to school.

The new speed limit is effective immediately.

Remember, tickets in school zones could be double the price.

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