Back to School Traffic Safety

Spokane Police Department calls on drivers to exercise caution as the school year begins, focusing on reducing speeds in school zones. Traffic officers will enforce speed limits and monitor for distracted drivers, with photo enforcement cameras set to activate. A national survey indicates that two-thirds of drivers exceed posted limits during critical drop-off and pick-up times. In Washington, speed-related crashes resulted in 221 fatalities in 2024, showing the need for heightened safety measures. Parents should remind children to wear bright, reflective clothing and to follow bus safety rules.

Children are especially vulnerable, with survival rates dropping significantly as vehicle speeds increase. The Spokane initiative aims to foster safer roadways and protect children as they head back to school. Community cooperation is essential to ensure the safety of young pedestrians and cyclists.