SPOKANE — As students return to class, Spokane police and the City of Spokane are reminding drivers plan ahead, slow down in school zones, and watch for pedestrians crossing the street.
The return to school coincides with active construction near several elementary schools, compounding safety concerns. Near Logan Elementary, Hamilton Street has lane closures between Boone and Carlisle Avenue. Perry Street is closed between 10th and 18th Avenue near Grant Elementary. Ridgeview Elementary is affected by closures on Rowan Avenue between Ash and Maple. Additionally, Stevens Avenue between 3rd and 8th Avenue remains under construction, impacting another school zone.
Spokane police say a study shows the majority of drivers exceed posted school-zone speed limits during the 30-minute periods before and after classes. Speeding in these areas poses a deadly problem, according to the department, and it urges drivers to reduce speeds and say focus while driving.
School-zone photo enforcement cameras are now active as classes resume. Spokane police say these cameras serve as a key enforcement tool to change driver behavior and keep roads safer for the community.
School bus rules drivers must follow
Understanding school bus regulations is also important. On a two-lane road, drivers in both directions must stop for a stopped school bus. On roads with three or more lanes, drivers only need to stop if traveling in the same direction as the bus. The same rule applies on divided roadways with a median.
The Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction said a study documented 960 illegal passes during a one-day survey last year. If that rate continued throughout a 180-day school year, it would total more than 172,000 violations. The penalty for illegally passing a stopped school bus is a $500 fine.
Protecting young pedestrians and cyclists
Parents are advised to equip their children with bright or reflective backpacks and clothing if they walk or bike to school. These measures help ensure children are visible to drivers in all conditions.
Once on a school bus, students are advised to take off their backpacks before sitting down to make sure they are properly seated.
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