Back to School Traffic Safety

The Spokane Police Department calls on drivers to be cautious as schools resume, stressing the importance of adhering to speed limits and minimizing distractions. The Traffic Unit will actively enforce school zone regulations and monitor bus stop compliance, with photo enforcement cameras set to operate starting Tuesday. A national survey indicates that two-thirds of drivers exceed the speed limit in school zones during critical hours, contributing to serious accidents. In Washington state, speed-related crashes resulted in 221 deaths in 2024, with distracted driving causing an additional 16 fatalities. Locally, Spokane recorded over 20 fatal crashes in the past five years linked to speeding and distraction.

The survival rate for pedestrians decreases significantly with increasing vehicle speed, underscoring the need for caution. Parents should remind children about road safety and ensure they are visible while walking or biking. By working together, the community can help keep children safe as they head back to school.