Motorists Reminded to Slow Down for Pedestrians, Yield to Those Crossing Street

Pedestrian collisions increased in 2023

Julie Humphreys, Public Safety Communications Manager

Monday, April 1, 2024 at 4:37 p.m.

As Spokane Public Schools students are released for spring break this week, the City reminds motorists to slow down and watch for pedestrians crossing streets as more children and families are out and about.

“We all need to do our part to keep Spokane streets safe,” Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown said.

Spokane Police saw a 44 percent increase in the number of pedestrian collisions in 2023 over 2022. Additionally, nine pedestrian fatalities accounted for half of the 18 total motor-vehicle fatalities in 2023. The major contributing factors to pedestrian-involved collisions are people crossing streets when/where inappropriate and inattentive drivers.

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 miles per hour (mph) in school zones where marked or where flashing lights are activated, and stop for pedestrians at crosswalks, especially children whose reflexes are slower; drive 25 mph on residential streets; and drive 30 mph 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 will watch for people not following the rules of the road and 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.

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

Please be extra diligent in your driving habits as schools are out this week, more children and adults are outside on our streets and sidewalks with extended daylight hours and the warmer weather overall.

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.