Back to School Traffic Safety

The Spokane Police Department is urging drivers to slow down and remain vigilant as children head back to school. The Traffic Unit will actively enforce speed limits in school zones, with photo enforcement cameras set to begin operation. A national survey found that two-thirds of drivers exceed posted speed limits during critical times around school hours. In Washington, speed-related crashes claimed 221 lives in 2024, while distracted driving resulted in 16 fatalities. Spokane experienced over 20 fatal crashes in the last five years due to speeding and distracted driving.

Parents should remind children about road safety and the importance of being visible with reflective clothing. Additionally, children riding buses should remove backpacks while seated, and elementary-age children must use booster seats until they reach 4’9” in height. Community cooperation is vital to ensure the safety of children as they return to school.