Back to School Traffic Safety

The Spokane Police Department is ramping up traffic enforcement as children return to school, urging drivers to slow down in school zones. Officers will focus on monitoring speeds and ensuring compliance with bus stop regulations, with photo enforcement cameras becoming active. A national survey revealed that two-thirds of drivers exceed speed limits during school hours, exacerbating risks for children. In Washington, speed-related crashes killed 221 individuals in 2024, while distracted driving accounted for 16 fatalities, underscoring the critical nature of road safety. Over the past five years, speeding and distraction contributed to over 20 fatal crashes in Spokane.

Parents are encouraged to equip children with bright or reflective clothing and backpacks to enhance visibility. The police department emphasizes that community cooperation is essential to safeguarding children as they return to school. Together, these efforts aim to foster a safer environment for students and pedestrians alike.