Back to School Traffic Safety

The Spokane Police Department emphasizes road safety as schools reopen, urging drivers to slow down and stay focused. The Traffic Unit will actively enforce speed limits and monitor for distracted driving, with school zone photo enforcement cameras set to operate starting Tuesday. A national survey found that two-thirds of drivers exceed speed limits in school zones, raising concerns about children's safety. In 2024, speed-related crashes claimed 221 lives across Washington, while distracted driving resulted in 16 fatalities. In Spokane, speeding and distractions contributed to more than 20 fatal crashes over the last five years.

Parents are encouraged to remind their children about road safety, including wearing bright clothing and removing backpacks before sitting on buses. Children must use booster seats until they reach 4'9" and stay in the back seat until age 13. Community engagement is essential in ensuring the safety of children as they head back to school.