SPOKANE, Wash. — The 2024-25 school year is almost here, and the City of Spokane wants to remind drivers and motorists to slow down in school zones.
Spokane Public Schools students are set to return to class on Tuesday, September 3, and Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown is asking drivers and motorists to be safe when driving in school zones.
“With the start of the school year, we all need to do our part to keep Spokane students safe,” Brown said.
The City of Spokane says drivers and pedestrians can follow these rules to keep themselves safe in these areas.
- 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 City of Spokane says officers with the Spokane Police Department will be watching for people not following the rules, and they may be issued a ticket. The city said tickets can range from $68 for pedestrian violations to $145 for a motorist failing to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk.
SPD also wants to remind drivers about these five traffic violations that could potentially lead to a fatality:
- DUI
- Aggressive driving
- Speed
- Distracted driving
- Not wearing a seatbelt
The City also wants to remind drivers that photo speed cameras are stationed at Ferris High School, Adams, Roosevelt, Lidgerwood, Audubon, Ridgeview and Willard elementary schools.
The City says neighbors can pick up yellow and black "Neighbors Drive 25" signs at their nearest Community-Oriented Policing Services (COPS) location. You can also pick up a sign at the My Spokane 311 counter at City Hall.
If you have questions on Neighbors Drive 25, the City says you can contact Annie Deasy, Office of Neighborhood Services Community Programs Coordinator, at 509-625-6343 or adeasy@spokanecity.org.