Back to School Traffic Safety

As students return to school, the Spokane Police Department emphasizes the importance of reduced speeds and heightened attention from drivers. The Traffic Unit plans to enforce speed limits around school zones and will monitor for distracted driving, with school zone photo enforcement cameras set to activate. Speeding remains a critical issue, contributing to 221 fatalities in Washington in 2024, with Spokane seeing over 20 fatal crashes linked to speeding and distraction in five years. National surveys indicate that two-thirds of drivers exceed speed limits in school zones during peak times. Parents are encouraged to remind children about road safety, including wearing bright clothing and using booster seats until they reach 4’9” tall.

The survival rate for pedestrians struck by vehicles drastically decreases with higher speeds, falling from 90% at 20 mph to 50% at 30 mph. This initiative aims to enhance community road safety during the school year, ensuring children can navigate their routes safely. The Spokane Police Department calls for collective responsibility to protect young pedestrians.