Jessica Fisher

School Is Back In Session

Jessica Fisher, Public Information Assistant, 509.625.6749

Wednesday, August 28, 2019 at 4:06 p.m.

School is back in session, and the City of Spokane is partnering with Spokane Public Schools to make sure all our kids stay safe as they head back to class.

We would like to remind drivers that ‘20 is plenty’ in school zones. At 20 mph there is a 10 percent chance of fatality if a child is hit and at 30 mph, that risk increases to 50 percent. While the goal is no collisions, reducing your speed will increase your chance of avoiding a collision in the first place, as well as decrease the severity of injury to anyone, if the unthinkable happens.

Photo-enforced school zone cameras will be active, with violations leading to infractions starting Thursday, Aug. 29. There are five cameras at the following locations: Ridgeview, Longfellow, Finch and Willard elementary schools.

Kids headed to school will be excited and likely a little distracted, so it’s important for drivers to pay extra attention to help them stay safe. Leave the house earlier to compensate for school traffic, slow down, don’t pass school busses when their lights are flashing and watch for crossing guards and flashing crosswalk lights.

Before you send your kids off to school, please remind them about the rules of the road and how to get to and from school safely.

  • Look both ways before crossing the road and use the crosswalks.
  • When riding a bike, scooter or skateboard, make sure to wear a helmet.
  • Wear visible clothing especially as the daylight hours start to shrink.
  • Make sure to stand away from the curb when waiting for the bus.
  • Use the buddy system; walk with a friend or group of neighborhood buddies.
  • Do not leave or get in a car with someone you do not know.

We are looking forward to a great school year!

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