Back to School Traffic Safety

The Spokane Police Department is reminding drivers to slow down and pay attention as children head back to school. The Traffic Unit will enforce speed limits in school zones and monitor for distracted driving, with school zone speed cameras starting Tuesday. Speeding is a critical issue, as evidenced by 221 speed-related deaths in Washington in 2024 and over 20 fatal crashes in Spokane linked to speeding and distraction over five years. Children are particularly vulnerable; a pedestrian struck by a vehicle at 20 mph has a 90% chance of survival, while that rate drops to 50% at 30 mph. Parents should reinforce road safety rules with their children, encouraging the use of bright or reflective clothing.

Bus riders must remove backpacks before sitting, and children should use booster seats until they reach 4’9” in height. Community cooperation is vital to ensuring the safety of young students as they return to school. The Spokane Police Department aims to improve road safety through active enforcement and public awareness.