Jefferson: School speed limit is 20 mph, sheriff reminds motorists

Classes start up at some schools in Jefferson County today.

Sheriff’s deputies will be out on patrol, monitoring school zones for traffic violators, according to a statement from the department.

Citations will be issued for all drivers exceeding the 20 mph speed limit as well as for children who are not properly restrained, the department said.

Fines are doubled in school zones.

During the 1997-98 school year, nearly 800 children were killed nation-wide while going to or from school.

A child hit by a vehicle traveling 20 mph has a 90 percent chance to recover, whereas a child hit by a vehicle traveling 35 mph has a 90 percent chance of dying, according to the Washington Traffic Safety Commission.