Traffic safety in school zones has continued to worsen over the last several years and PennDOT’s data shows a steady increase in crashes. In 2020, there were 291 crashes involving 550 vehicles and 717 individuals. By 2024, that number had risen to 332 crashes involving 665 vehicles and 1,058 individuals. This trend is particularly troubling when viewed alongside broader statewide data with pedestrian crashes among the most severe at 174 fatalities and 2,990 injuries reported in 2024. Children are especially impacted, with 147 pedestrian injuries among ages 5–9, 274 among ages 10–14, and 240 among ages 15–19. As traffic volumes continue to rebound post-pandemic, risky behaviors – such as speeding, distracted driving, and failure to yield – persist, putting children in school zones at ongoing risk.
 
To address this problem, I will be introducing legislation allowing municipalities to use automated road safety monitoring systems in school zones. Upon adoption of a local ordinance, these PennDOT-approved systems would target two high-risk violations closely tied to serious crashes involving children: failing to stop at stop signs and failing to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks. The proposed bill establishes a $40 civil penalty and includes a 30-day warning period at rollout. It applies to vehicle owners, with clearly defined exemptions for emergency vehicles, funeral processions, stolen vehicles, and instances of lawful compliance. These violations would not be recorded on a driver’s record and would not be classified as moving violations.
 
The legislation also incorporates robust safeguards for due process, transparency, and privacy. It mandates clear signage, a public education campaign, evidence-based violation notices with appeal options, annual reporting to PennDOT, and strict limitations on the use and retention of recorded images, which must be deleted within 48 hours after final resolution. All generated revenue must be reinvested into roadway safety improvements, and participation by municipalities is voluntary, with no cost to the Commonwealth. This measure would provide law enforcement with a valuable tool to improve safety and better protect Pennsylvanians.
 
Please join me in cosponsoring this important legislation to help ensure the safety of children in school zones.