Back to School Traffic Safety

Spokane Police urge drivers to slow down as students head back to school, emphasizing the importance of road safety. The Traffic Unit will actively monitor school zones for speeding and distracted driving, enforcing laws against ignoring bus stop signals. A national survey shows two-thirds of drivers exceed speed limits in school zones during critical times. In Washington, speed-related crashes resulted in 221 deaths in 2024, with distracted driving accounting for 16 fatalities. Spokane has seen over 20 fatal crashes in the last five years linked to speeding and distraction.

Children are especially at risk, with survival rates plummeting from 90% at 20 mph to 50% at 30 mph. Parents should remind children about road rules and ensure they wear bright clothing for visibility. The Spokane Police Department encourages community cooperation to protect children as they return to school.