Seattle Drivers Urged to Maintain Vigilance in School Zones During Summer Months

Listen up, Seattleites, and tap the brakes – it’s summer, school’s out, but our streets are far from empty. With many Seattle schools serving as hubs for summer programs, there’s a fresh reminder from the city to keep an eye out for the kiddos. Summer doesn't grant a reprieve from being vigilant near school zones and in neighborhoods; kids are still milling about, and your careful driving is key to their safety. The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT), in a blog post, emphasized that school zone flashing beacons will remain a beacon (pun semi-intended) of caution throughout these sunnier months.

The pace slows down in school zones, setting a speed limit at an easy 20 miles per hour when those yellow lights flash. And before you even think about flexing your lead foot, remember that those flashing yellow lights are not merely a suggestion, but a legal requirement – a point drilled home by the shiny $243 fine for violators. Speeding in school zones isn't just frowned upon; it’s pricey, and much more importantly, dangerous. Collisions, especially at higher velocities, tend to escalate from bad to worse, with the increased force resulting in more severe consequences. As stated by the SDOT publication, "Speed is a crucial factor in collisions on our streets each year."

For those curious about where to slow down or to learn more about Vision Zero, SDOT’s website hosts a wealth of information. Compassion for young pedestrians is not something to be underestimated, as SDOT rightly puts it: "We deeply appreciate your care and attention to this important matter to help keep our kids safe."