Mayor, City Council Announce New Traffic Safety Improvements

Spokane officials, including Mayor Lisa Brown and Council President Betsy Wilkerson, have introduced a comprehensive strategy to enhance traffic safety across the city. The initiative responds to a troubling rise in traffic fatalities during the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the need for immediate action. Among the proposed changes is a "No Turn on Red" policy to be implemented at high pedestrian traffic intersections downtown, aimed at protecting vulnerable road users. Moreover, the Play Streets Program will allow neighborhoods to temporarily close streets for safe community activities, fostering local engagement. The Spokane Police Department will also establish a new Traffic Safety and Education Unit, dedicating officers to traffic enforcement and DUI prevention.

An expansion of automated traffic cameras will further bolster safety measures, with installations beginning this summer. In addition, a Traffic Fatality Review Team will analyze crash data to identify contributing factors and recommend improvements. These initiatives underscore Spokane's commitment to building safer, more accessible streets for all residents, reflecting a partnership between the city, law enforcement, and the community.