Erin Hut, ehut@spokanecity.org
Monday, September 2, 2024 at Noon
As Spokane Public Schools students head back to class on Tuesday, Sept. 3, the City reminds motorists to slow down in school zones and watch for children and families crossing the street.
“With the start of the school year, we all need to do our part to keep Spokane students safe,” Mayor Lisa Brown said.
Most vehicle-pedestrian collisions occur in crosswalks, regardless of whether they are marked or unmarked. By following the rules of the road, most collisions can be prevented:
Motorists: drive 20 miles per hour 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 pedestrian violations, 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 the school year gets underway.
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.
