City reminds motorists to slow down for pedestrians, yield to those crossing street

Speed limit 20 mph in school zones, 25 on residential streets

Brian Walker, 509-625-6765; Julie Humphreys, 509-625-5868

Friday, March 31, 2023 at 1:25 p.m.

The City reminds motorists to slow down, watch for pedestrians crossing streets and be cognizant of school zones during the warmer days ahead.

Mayor Nadine Woodward has proclaimed April as Pedestrian Safety Month and is partnering with the community on education and student safety.

“With summer around the corner, we’re asking motorists to be vigilant about safety on our streets,” Woodward said. “Heed the need to watch your speed.”

Most vehicle-pedestrian collisions occur in crosswalks, marked or unmarked. By following the rules of the road, most collisions can be prevented:

  • Motorists: drive 20 mph in school zones and stop for pedestrians at crosswalks; pay particular attention to children and elderly people whose reflexes may be slow; drive 25 on residential streets; and drive 30 on arterial streets, unless otherwise posted.
  • Pedestrians: cross the street on a “Walk” signal, and if there isn’t a signal look left, right, and left again before crossing at crosswalks or intersections.

The Spokane Police Department (SPD) will watch for people not following the rules of the road and officers may issue a ticket. Tickets can run from $68 for not crossing the street at a crosswalk, to up to $145 for a motorist failing to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk.

Officers want to remind motorists about five potentially fatal traffic violations:

  • DUI,
  • aggressive driving,
  • speed,
  • distracted driving, and
  • not wearing a seatbelt.

“The vast majority of collisions are avoidable,” said SPD Sgt. Teresa Fuller. “When drivers make a conscious decision to focus on their driving only, we make the streets safer for everyone.”

Additionally, photo speed cameras are at Lidgerwood, Audubon, Adams, Roosevelt, Ridgeview, and Willard elementary schools along with Ferris High.

Yellow and black Neighbors Drive 25 yard signs reminding motorists of the speed limit on residential streets can be picked up at the nearest COPS (Community-Oriented Policing Services) Shop or MySpokane 311 counter at City Hall. The signs were funded by the neighborhood Traffic Calming Program.

For questions regarding Neighbors Drive 25, contact Annie Deasy, Office of Neighborhood Services Community Programs Coordinator, at 509-625-6343 or adeasy@spokanecity.org.