Back to School Traffic Safety

The Spokane Police Department calls for heightened awareness and caution from drivers as children head back to school. The Traffic Unit will enforce speed limits and distracted driving laws around school zones, with photo enforcement cameras set to activate Tuesday. A national survey highlights that two-thirds of drivers exceed speed limits in school zones during peak hours. In 2024, speed-related incidents resulted in 221 deaths in Washington, while distracted driving accounted for 16 fatalities. Over the past five years, Spokane reported more than 20 fatal crashes linked to speeding and distraction.

Parents should also remind children to wear bright clothing and follow road rules. Children must be properly seated on buses and in booster seats until they reach specific height requirements. Community cooperation is crucial to ensure the safety of students as they return to school.