Spokane: City reminds drivers to slow down in school zones
Washingtoner/10267986

~ As the new school year begins, Spokane Public Schools students are preparing to head back to class on Tuesday, September 3rd. With this in mind, the City of Spokane is reminding motorists to be cautious and aware of their surroundings while driving through school zones and to watch out for children and families crossing the street.

Mayor Lisa Brown emphasized the importance of keeping Spokane students safe during this time, stating, "With the start of the school year, we all need to do our part." According to statistics, most vehicle-pedestrian collisions occur in crosswalks, whether they are marked or unmarked. However, by following the rules of the road, these incidents can be prevented.

For motorists, this means driving at a maximum speed of 20 miles per hour in school zones where marked or when flashing lights are activated. It is also crucial for drivers to stop for pedestrians at crosswalks, especially children who may have slower reflexes. On residential streets, the speed limit is 25 mph and on arterial streets it is 30 mph unless otherwise posted.

Pedestrians also play a vital role in ensuring their safety by crossing the street only when they have a "Walk" signal. If there is no signal present, they should remember to look left, right, and left again before crossing at crosswalks or intersections.

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The Spokane Police Department will be closely monitoring drivers who do not follow these rules and may issue tickets as a consequence. These tickets can range from $68 for pedestrian violations to up to $145 for motorists who fail to yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk.

In addition to these traffic violations, officers want to remind drivers about five potentially fatal behaviors: driving under the influence (DUI), aggressive driving, speeding, distracted driving, and not wearing a seatbelt. To further enforce safe driving habits near schools, photo speed cameras have been installed at Ferris High School and several elementary schools including Adams, Roosevelt, Lidgerwood, Audubon, Ridgeview, and Willard.

As the school year begins, it is crucial for all drivers to be extra diligent in their driving habits. To help remind motorists of the speed limit on residential streets, yellow and black "Neighbors Drive 25" yard signs are available for pickup at the nearest COPS Shop or MySpokane 311 counter at City Hall. These signs were funded by the neighborhood Traffic Calming Program.

For any questions or concerns regarding the "Neighbors Drive 25" campaign, individuals can contact Annie Deasy, Office of Neighborhood Services Community Programs Coordinator at 509-625-6343 or adeasy@spokanecity.org. Let's all work together to ensure a safe and successful school year for Spokane students.

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