Date:

To:
From:
Subject:

11/9/2016
Faith Delay
Iva Kilgren, Abraham Oliva, & Daniel Alter
School Zone Safety repurposing Project

Attached is the report for the School Zone Safety repurposing project, a
recommendation report. We completed the task described in the School Zone
Safety Proposal that was written by Iva Kilgren and approved to be research
on September 22nd 2016.
To do this there was a survey completed of residents within a 1-mile radius of
Summitview school zone, parents of students who attend, and staff who work
at the elementary school. Review of City of Yakima government policy as it
pertains to residential streets located within a school zone, and elementary
school zone policy. Look at previous studies from other locations on how to
improve school zone safety and which options where most successful in the
given school environment.
Our finding were the safety regulations are a responsibility the city of
Yakimas traffic department. The findings from government policy research
shows that there is a possible breach in minimal required safety standards by
the City of Yakima. There is a lack of proper legally required street signage
and markings within 300 feet of the elementary school. There may be
possible missing school zone markings in other areas near the school.
The residential survey shows a common concern of citizens as to the safety
of pedestrians located in the school zone of Summitview Elementary, Yakima,
WA 98908. Over 50% of drivers surveyed in school zone felt that the signage
was not placed well enough to give them adequate time to slow down for
school traffic. 63% stated that they have noticed they are driving over the
school zone speed limit when passing through Summitview elementary
school zone. Drivers and pedestrians in this area had two main concerns,
that obstruction that the parking lot created, it is hard to see pedestrians and
school zone signals are not well placed.
Road environment and traffic throughout the day need to be factored in. The
proposed school zone is located on an arterial road, this means, more vehicle
traffic driving on average at speeds higher than 30mph. The road the school
is located and nearby streets need to be examined and analyzed for
potential risk before and after school hour, when pedestrian traffic is at its
peak.

SCHOOL ZONE SAFETY

November 9,2016

The purpose of the research was to evaluate the school zone located at
Summitview Elementary in Yakima, WA. The results of the research is provided
in this report along with recommendations.

Iva Kilgren, Jose Oliva, & Daniel Alter

Table of Contents:
Pages
Executive Summary

Introduction

Research Methods
Results

5
5

Conclusions

Recommendations

Appendices
Appendix A. Recommendation Memo
Appendix B. Schedule of Tasks
Appendix C. Terms
Append D. Email to Joseph Roselund

6-10
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11
11-12

Executive Summary.
There has been an ongoing problem with school zone safety in Yakima since 2009. A local
Yakima television station observed two school zones that did not meet safety rules and
regulations with two school zones not have warning signals flashing until at least 10 minutes
after school had let out. Changes in school zones have been a topic of discussion since these
incidences have brought attention to the public.
The safety regulations are a responsibility of this is the responsibility of the
city of Yakimas traffic department. The findings from government policy
research shows that there is a possible breach in minimal required safety
standards by the City of Yakima. There is a lack of proper legally required
street signage and markings within 300 feet of the elementary school. There
may be possible missing school zone markings in other areas near the
school.
The residential survey shows a common concern of citizens as to the safety
of pedestrians located in the school zone of Summitview Elementary, Yakima,
WA 98908. Over 50% of drivers surveyed in school zone felt that the signage
was not placed well enough to give them adequate time to slow down for
school traffic. 63% stated that they have noticed they are driving over the
school zone speed limit when passing through Summitview elementary
school zone. Drivers and pedestrians in this area had two main concerns,
that obstruction that the parking lot created, it is hard to see pedestrians and
school zone signals are not well placed.
Road environment and traffic throughout the day need to be factored in. The
proposed school zone is located on an arterial road, this means, more vehicle
traffic driving on average at speeds higher than 30mph. The road the school
is located and nearby streets need to be examined and analyzed for
potential risk before and after school hour, when pedestrian traffic is at its
peak.
Introduction.
On September 22, our class instructor Faith DeLay, approved our groups
proposal to research school zone safety in specific areas of Yakima, WA.
Our final task is to make contact with the appropriate government officials
and communicate with them concerns from their citizens regarding local
school zone safety. According to our notes, the research methods used to
gather data includes the following tasks:
Residents within a 1 mile radius of Summitviews school zone were surveyed,
the residents included parents and school staff.
The government policy of the City of Yakima was reviewed to make sure we
are familiar with local ordinances.
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We also looked into past studies done from other communities and how they
approached school zone issues in their respective areas. Most of the areas
we followed up on were local communities within the state and others were
from other countries. We then tuned to look up studies mentioned in
scientific journals, US traffic commission, and other sources that covered
safety, traffic controls, signs, and markings.
Research Methods.
In order, to complete this project, we had to create a thread using our online
class tools. We then merged all files and documents into this thread to make
sure its accessible to all team members.
The main research on this project has already been done as we will be using
it as our foundation to complete this project. Our next action was to find a
way to distribute sections of the report to each team member to make sure
everything is covered. Our group then tried to set up appropriate meeting
times to exchange ideas and check on each other progress, we used course
tools such as collaboration sessions and emails to make we communicate.
Results.
Once all of the data was in from the survey, the city government policy
thoroughly reviewed, and relative previous research has been collected all
the information will be analyzed and compiled into recommendation report
that is to be submitted to the City of Yakima Department of Public Works
Streets and Traffic Division. The information provided in the recommendation
memo is a strong foundation for the city to begin their own investigation of
the matter of safety. An email was submitted November 9,2016 to to Joseph
Rosenlund City of Yakima, Washington Department of Public Works Streets
and Traffic Division to check for any possible problems with submission. The
follow up email was to inquire if the recommendation memo and survey
results have been received by email. The email also requested to see what
the status is of the recommendation memo is and what steps if any are being
taken to address community concerns. The email also requested information
of any further steps that our team needs to be taken to ensure the continued
progress of updating the safety of Summitview Elementary School Zone.
Conclusion.
There is a lack of driver awareness as to how many kids live in the area and
drivers need to err on the side of safety. There are no speed bumps, safety
signs, or warning signals that let drivers know that they are approaching a
school zone on the intersections of concern. The information has been
submitted through the necessary channels at the City Public Works and
Traffic Division. The next step is to wait for a response to the email from the
City of Yakima.

Recommendations.
The recommendation for this repurposing project would be to remain in close
contact with the City of Yakima. The City officials may request revisions to
the memo or further explanation and evidence for the cause of concern in
the Summitview Elementary School Zone. The projects success can be
judged based on the response of the City, pedestrian safety and school zone
traffic changes. Even if the City of Yakima decides to implement some
changes to adjust the school zone safety, the process is long and takes time
and money. I think the successfulness of the School Zone Safety project will
have to be observed over a long period of time.
Appendices.

This Portion is incomplete.

Appendix A.
Recommendation Memo
To: Joseph Rosenlund
City of Yakima, Washington Department of Public Works
Streets and Traffic Division
From: Iva Kilgren
Yakima resident and concerned parent
Subject: Recommendation Memo for School Zone Traffic Controls
Purpose:
The purpose of the research was to evaluate the school zone located at
Summitview Elementary in Yakima, WA. The school zone needs to be
evaluated at 3 intersections located on Chestnut Avenue, 63rd Avenue, 64th
Avenue, and 65th Avenue. The results of the research is provided in this
memo along with recommendations.
Summary:
Though I have no experience in public policy, city ordinances, or how to
address school zone traffic policies. My qualifications as a community
member and parent allow me to thoroughly research concerns of mine, my
neighbors, fellow parents, and community members.
Attached is the research proposal for safety concerns in an elementary
school zone located on a residential street in the City of Yakima. A survey has
been administered to local residents within a one-mile radius of the proposal
area.
To carry out the research, I created a public opinion survey and spoke with
local residents, parents, and Summitview Elementary school employees. I
also looked into City of Yakima school zones laws and ordnances.

Government policy is explained for school zones and residential streets in

the Washington State Traffic Manual. Land should be surveyed to find optimal
spots for safety signs.
This memo should be used to help facilitate recommendations for possible
options on new school zone traffic control devices, signage, or markings. In
addition to the survey, I also have compiled a list of credible research studies
that have been performed across the country and internationally.
Introduction:
Pedestrian safety has been an ongoing problem in my neighborhood for
years. The road that is of concern has high foot and bike traffic. During the
school year there is even a greater risk of accidents, as there are a lot of
children and a lot more people in general, traveling through on foot and by
vehicle.
The research addressed driver and pedestrian safety in and around
Summitview elementary school zone. The streets researched are near my
children's elementary school. There are children other than my own that also
live on these specified streets. There are students that attend the
elementary school in the research zone, their parents that walk the area
when dropping off and picking up their children, and school staff that walk in
this potentially dangerous area. Many times throughout the day we have
observed people speeding down the residential road which is within a school
zone.
There has been an ongoing problem with school zone safety since 2009. The
local television station, KHQ, observed two school zones that did not meet
safety rules and regulations (KHQ NBC Right Now). Two school zones did not
have warning signals flashing until at least 10 minutes after school had let
out, this is the responsibility of the citys traffic department. Changes is
school zones have been a topic of discussion since these two incidences
have brought much attention to the public.
A review of City of Yakima Government policies on residential streets located
within a school zone revealed that there may be possible missing school
zone markings. Yakima school zone parameters and guidelines are described
by the Yakima Traffic and Safety Department. Information from City of Yakima
website provides information on safety designs for residential school zones
and it clearly defined school zone boundaries.
The increased safety will benefit drivers by reducing potential traffic
violations and accidents. The local pedestrians that frequently ride bikes,
walk, and jog in the neighborhood can feel more confident that they will be
seen by drivers. Parents, students, and school employees could have
additional walking zones and signals to allow drivers in the area adequate
time to slow down for school traffic.

Research Methods:
The methods of research included the following tasks:

I surveyed local residents within a 1-mile radius of Summitview school

zone, parents of students who attend, and staff who work at the
elementary school.

I Reviewed City of Yakima government policy as it pertains to

residential streets located within a school zone, and elementary school
zone policy.

I looked at previous studies from other locations on how to improve

school zone safety and which options where most successful in the
given school environment. I will use the studies as a base for
comparison. The studies I looked at were conducted in Issaquah, WA,
Alberta, Canada, China, Indonesia, and Utah. The previous research
collected studied, and evaluated the safety, traffic controls, signs, and
markings in a school zone. These case studies have been used in
scientific journals, US traffic commission, and National manuals for
Traffic Control Devices in China, Indonesia, Canada, and the U.S.

Results:
The residential survey shows a common concern of citizens as to the safety
of pedestrians located in the school zone of Summitview Elementary, Yakima,
WA 98908. Over 50% of drivers surveyed in school zone felt that the signage
was not placed well enough to give them adequate time to slow down for
school traffic. 63% stated that they have noticed they are driving over the
school zone speed limit when passing through Summitview elementary
school zone. Drivers and pedestrians in this area had two main concerns,
that obstruction that the parking lot created, it is hard to see pedestrians and
school zone signals are not well placed. The other concern was the amount
of traffic that was caused at the end of the day. Many times the traffic caused
dangerous obstructions for thru traffic, drawing concern for both drivers and
pedestrians. Inadequate signs led to delays which can lead frustrated drivers
to speed through the school zone. Overall residents are concerned with how
traffic can be navigated within the school zone in question.
The findings from government policy research shows that there is a possible
breach in minimal required safety standards by the City of Yakima. There is a
lack of proper legally required street signage and markings within 300 feet of
the elementary school. There may be possible missing school zone markings
in other areas near the school.

Results from previous research studies range from receiving feedback from
drivers on what type of signs work best to alert them when there is a high
traffic area of children crossing. Other research shows statistics of drivers,
incidences involving pedestrians and drivers, and which School zone devices,
signs, and markings where most successful in reducing driver speed on
average. Road environment and traffic throughout the day need to be
factored in. The proposed school zone is located on an arterial road, this
means, more vehicle traffic driving on average at speeds higher than 30mph.
The road the school is located and nearby streets need to be examined and
analyzed for potential risk before and after school hour, when pedestrian
traffic is at its peak.
Conclusion:
There is a lack of driver awareness as to how many kids live in the area and
drivers need to err on the side of safety. There are no speed bumps, safety
signs, or warning signals that let drivers know that they are approaching a
school zone on the intersections of concern.
Washington State Traffic Manual provides information as to the inputs that
WSDOT provides for traffic safety. WSDOT is responsible for State wide traffic
policy development. The WSDOT have traffic engineers available to assess
local traffic. WSDOT is key in gathering necessary school zone traffic data.
Standards for traffic control for school areas detailing school area sign
positions, heights of signs, installation of signs, and colors of warning signs.
The information can be used to measure that the location of concern is up to
date with WSDOT traffic control standards.
There are areas where there is no clear notification to drivers when they
enter and exit the school zone located on the street under review. School
zone boundaries need to be clearly defined for drivers.
A review of previous research will determine what would be the most effective way to reduce
speeds in school zones. A study such as this has been done in China, the findings showed that
school environment and driver knowledge on school zone laws can have an effect on the success
of the designs(Zhao,2016).
Recommendation:
I recommend the City of Yakima take a look at the follow previous cases that
have been conducted elsewhere to help consider how the city may want to
conduct their investigation into the Summitview school zone safety problem.

Field Evaluation of the Effect of Speed Monitoring Displays on Speed

Compliance in School Zones Article provided comparative research and
results of similar studies that need to be conducted in our local

neighborhood school zone. Speed monitoring devices(SMD) were set

up in four locations, during Sept. 2004 and April 2005 in a school zone
in Provo, UT. The SMD recorded traffic and displayed speeds of drivers
passing through the school zone. The results showed that the proper
signage and displays during school times helped reduce speeds. The
mean speed was reduced by 3mph in one zone, 4mph in one zone, and
there was a 40% reduction in speeds over 20 miles per hour. Similar
studies need to take place in my particular school zone and results
should be compare and evaluated to the Provo, UT results. In addition
to traffic data collection in Provo, UT, a public opinion survey was
administered. Drivers felt that there was a need to improve school
zone traffic controls. This study is designed in the format that should
be used in my neighborhood.

An evaluation of school zone signs and markings on speed reduction

was conducted in China. These studies were necessary, when this
study began Chinese had little knowledge on how school traffic devices
worked or how to install the equipment. Although China has its own
guidelines for school safety devices, but is inadequate due to its
vagueness (Zhao et al.). They reviewed printed information from
United States Part 7 of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices
(MUTCD) as a reference. The standards and principles were
incorporated into the Chinese school zone safety program. This study
looked at 17 different sign designs in two different locations and
determined the effectiveness of each. The success of each school zone
designed was partly affected by the road environment.

Land surveys will provide possible options for potential additions of

markings, signs, or signals to increase neighborhood and school zone safety.
Surveys should be administered by the city of Yakima. In addition, the city
should administer their own public opinion survey to parents of students and
school staff to gain their perspective of the current situation and potential
changes that may be made to increase safety for themselves and their
students.
Conduct a public opinion survey on driver sign awareness. This will identify which signs would
provide the best source of awareness for drivers to recognize that they are in a school zone. The
survey would be similar to one used in a school zone traffic study done in China, where 17
different traffic sign designs were used in two different representative schools(Zhao,2016).

I appreciate the time the citizens have taken to complete the survey and the
time the City of Yakima Streets and Traffic Division has taken to consider this
matter. If there is any more evidence I can provide to compel the city of
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Yakima to look into the Summitview school zone problem I am requesting the
opportunity to do so.
Citations:
Ash, Kelly G., and Mitsuru Saito. Field Evaluation of the Effect of Speed
Monitoring Displays on Speed Compliance in School Zones. Applications of
Advanced Technology in Transportation (2006): 780786. Print.
KHQ NBC Right Now. Are school zones making a difference? NBC Right
Now. 20 Nov. 2009. Web. 1 Oct. 2016.
Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. Manual on Uniform Traffic Control
Devices. Ed. Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. 2009th ed. N.p.: U.S,
Department of Transportation, 2009. Originally Printed. 1 Oct. 2016.
Accessed from Web. http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/pdfs/2009/part7.pdf
Washington State Department of Transportation. Traffic Manual Washington
State Department of Transportation. (2016). Web. 1 Oct. 2016
Zhao, Xiaohua, et al. Evaluation of the Effects of School Zone Signs and
Markings on Speed Reduction: A Driving Simulator Study. SpringerPlus 5.1
(2016): n.pag. Web.

Appendix B
Updated Schedule
Date of tasks (by
weeks)

Tasks
Task 1
Task 2
Task 3
Task 4
Task 5
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7 16

Sep
t.

Oct.

No
v.

Figure 1. Schedule of project tasks

Appendix C
Defined Terms:
-Traffic Counts- Records the number of vehicles and their speed passing
through a specified location
-Arterial Street-High capacity urban street
-Road environment- Current traffic, buildings, zones, and type of traffic
conditions that affect driving speed
-Municipal Code- Local city laws and ordinances
-Government Policy-Declaration of a governments political plans and
activities.
Appendix D
Email to Joseph Roselund.
To: Joseph Rosenlund, City of Yakima, Washington Department of Public
Works
Streets and Traffic Division
From: Iva Kilgren
Hello Joseph Rosenlund,
I am emailing you as a concerned citizen representing a group of community
members. We have observed drivers in our neighborhood consistently driving
over the speed limit. Located within our neighborhood is Summitview
Elementary School Zone, this area of concentration is most concerning as it
has the highest amount of pedestrian traffic. The purpose of the research
was to evaluate the school zone located at Summitview Elementary in
Yakima, WA. The school zone needs to be evaluated at 3 intersections
located on Chestnut Avenue, 63rd Avenue, 64th Avenue, and 65th Avenue.
Pedestrian safety has been an ongoing problem in my neighborhood for
years. The road that is of concern has high foot and bike traffic. During the
school year there is even a greater risk of accidents, as there are a lot of
children and a lot more people in general, traveling through on foot and by
vehicle.
There has been an ongoing problem with school zone safety in Yakima since
2009. The local television station, KHQ, observed two school zones that did
not meet safety rules and regulations (KHQ NBC Right Now). Two school
zones did not have warning signals flashing until at least 10 minutes after
school had let out, this is the responsibility of the citys traffic department.
Changes is school zones have been a topic of discussion since these two
incidences have brought much attention to the public.
12

The increased safety will benefit drivers by reducing potential traffic

violations and accidents. The local pedestrians that frequently ride bikes,
walk, and jog in the neighborhood can feel more confident that they will be
seen by drivers. Parents, students, and school employees could have
additional walking zones and signals to allow drivers in the area adequate
time to slow down for school traffic.
I have attached to this email a recommendation memo that I prepared
addressing the problem in our neighborhood, research methods used to
confirm that the concern is valid, results from the research, and finally some
recommendations that I hope the City of Yakima will consider when address
this matter.
Thank you for the opportunity to make some much needed changes in our
neighborhood and make the area safer for many families.
Sincerely,
Iva Kilgren

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