Back to School Traffic Safety

The Spokane Police Department calls on drivers to exercise caution as children head back to school, urging reduced speeds and increased attention. The Traffic Unit will actively enforce speed limits in school zones and monitor for distracted driving and bus stop violations, with photo enforcement cameras becoming operational on Tuesday. Speeding caused 221 deaths in Washington in 2024, while distracted driving led to 16 fatalities, highlighting the urgent need for safety measures. In Spokane alone, speeding and distraction contributed to over 20 fatal crashes in the past five years. Parents are advised to remind children of road safety, emphasizing visibility with bright clothing and safe bus riding practices.

Children should remove backpacks before sitting on buses and use booster seats until they reach a height of 4’9”. This initiative aims to protect the most vulnerable road users during the school year. Community cooperation is essential to ensure safety for all.