Police Department

SPD Asking Drivers to be Cognizant of Road Closures

Cpl. Teresa Fuller

Saturday, January 11, 2020 at 6 p.m.

Dozens of drivers going around police cars and cones yesterday caused additional issues for officers, firefighters, and Street Department personnel trying to get the roads reopened. Just a reminder, disobeying an officer, firefighter or flagger is a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to one thousand dollars, up to ninety days in jail, or both; https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=46.61.015 .

Yesterday, as the snow started to accumulate, Spokane Police Officers started responding to crashes in various areas of the City. During the span of 24 hours over the 10^th, a total of 146 collisions were reported within the City limits alone. Many of these included numerous citizens who went around police cars used to close down the worst roads, adding to the melee and delaying the crucial work of the Street Department.  

Fortunately there were no serious injuries. However, every year first responders and flaggers are seriously injured and killed by motorists who ignore signs and signals directing them to drive elsewhere. With the upcoming snowfall predicted for Sunday, we’d like to remind drivers to use the utmost caution if they need to be on the roads. If you see an emergency vehicle, Street Department Vehicle, barricades and/or cones across a road, that road is closed. Going around those closures is not only dangerous, but could earn you a misdemeanor arrest.

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