Back to School Traffic Safety

As children return to school, the Spokane Police Department emphasizes the importance of safe driving practices. The Traffic Unit will actively enforce speed limits in school zones and watch for distracted driving and bus stop violations. A national survey indicates that two-thirds of drivers exceed the speed limit in school zones during peak times. In Spokane, speeding and distracted driving have been involved in over 20 fatal crashes in the last five years. Effective Tuesday, photo enforcement cameras will monitor school zones to enhance safety.

The risk of fatality increases significantly; a pedestrian struck at 30 mph has only a 50% survival rate. Parents should remind children about road safety rules, including wearing reflective clothing and using proper seating in vehicles. Collective efforts are essential to protect children as they return to school.