The 2016 – 2017 school year is about to be back in session in Spokane and there will be buses all over the road next week. Safety is key to preventing injuries. While we are very competent personal injury attorneys we hope to never hear from anyone injured in a school zone or bus accident or similar. There are many precautionary measures in place and if everyone follows them everyone should remain safe. Here are a few things to consider to keep our students safe:
Speed Limits: In the state of Washington all school zones have a speed limit of 20MPH. Near high schools such as Bryant or Eagle Peak the speed limit is in affect from 7AM – 3:30PM. For all other schools the speed limit is in affect when children are present. When in doubt, go 20MPH. According to SpokaneCares, a study showed that the average student has an 80-90% rate of survival if struck by a car traveling 20 mph or slower. That same student has a 90% chance of death if the car is traveling 25-35 mph. Big difference.
School Buses: In Spokane and the rest of Washington, all drivers must stop their vehicles when a school bus has its red lights flashing. No passing. The only exception to this is when drivers approach from the opposite direction and there are at least three marked lanes, a median or a physical barrier between the driver and the bus.
Bicycles: If your child bikes to school please check out the NHTSA’s bicycle safety activity kit. The kit informs cyclists of how to find and adjust a helmet, properly fit to a bicycle, what to wear, how to cross an intersection properly, how to pass pedestrians, and also contains several puzzles and games.
