Back to School Traffic Safety

Spokane Police Department calls on drivers to exercise caution and reduce speeds in school zones as students return to school. The Traffic Unit will enforce speed limits and monitor for distractions, with school zone photo enforcement cameras set to activate on Tuesday. According to a national survey, two-thirds of drivers exceed the speed limit in school zones during peak hours. In Washington, speed-related crashes claimed 221 lives in 2024, while distracted driving caused 16 fatalities. In Spokane, speeding and distracted driving were factors in more than 20 fatal crashes over the past five years.

Parents should remind their children about road safety and encourage them to wear bright clothing for better visibility. Children should remove backpacks before sitting on the bus and use booster seats until they reach 4’9”. Together, the community can ensure the safety of its most vulnerable members as they return to school.