News
September 24, 2025
A tale of two speed signs: Spokane expands flashing warnings while seeking funding for another less proven design - Wed, 24 Sep 2025 PST
As the city of Spokane continues to grapple with traffic fatalities and unsafe speeds, it has rolled out a myriad of measures to try to slow down drivers, including reinstating traffic patrol officers and criminalizing right turns at red lights in certain high-traffic intersections.
Spokane is taking a two-pronged approach to tackling its ongoing traffic safety issues, focusing on both tried-and-true methods and exploring innovative, albeit less established, technologies. The city recently expanded its network of flashing speed warning signs in areas known for speeding and accidents, a measure officials hope will provide a visible and immediate reminder to drivers to obey the posted speed limits.
These flashing signs, triggered when a vehicle exceeds the speed limit, are strategically placed near schools, parks, and residential neighborhoods where pedestrian and cyclist traffic is high. The expansion aims to cover even more of these vulnerable zones, offering a proactive approach to reducing speed-related incidents. City engineers are carefully monitoring the effectiveness of these signs, collecting data on speed reductions and accident rates to assess their overall impact.
However, the city is also looking to the future with a more ambitious, but currently unfunded, plan involving a novel speed management design. While details remain scarce as Spokane actively seeks grant opportunities and private investment, the proposed design is described as a "less proven" technology. This suggests the city is willing to explore cutting-edge solutions, even those without a long track record of success, in its quest to improve road safety.
This dual strategy comes as Spokane also implements other measures aimed at curbing dangerous driving behaviors. The city has recently reinstated traffic patrol officers, increasing police visibility on roadways to deter speeding and other violations. Furthermore, right turns on red lights have been criminalized at several high-traffic intersections, a move designed to improve pedestrian safety and reduce collisions. This comprehensive approach highlights Spokane's commitment to addressing traffic fatalities and ensuring safer streets for all residents. The effectiveness of each of these initiatives will be closely monitored as the city strives to create a safer transportation environment. The success of the expanded flashing sign program, in particular, will likely play a significant role in informing future traffic safety investments.
These flashing signs, triggered when a vehicle exceeds the speed limit, are strategically placed near schools, parks, and residential neighborhoods where pedestrian and cyclist traffic is high. The expansion aims to cover even more of these vulnerable zones, offering a proactive approach to reducing speed-related incidents. City engineers are carefully monitoring the effectiveness of these signs, collecting data on speed reductions and accident rates to assess their overall impact.
However, the city is also looking to the future with a more ambitious, but currently unfunded, plan involving a novel speed management design. While details remain scarce as Spokane actively seeks grant opportunities and private investment, the proposed design is described as a "less proven" technology. This suggests the city is willing to explore cutting-edge solutions, even those without a long track record of success, in its quest to improve road safety.
This dual strategy comes as Spokane also implements other measures aimed at curbing dangerous driving behaviors. The city has recently reinstated traffic patrol officers, increasing police visibility on roadways to deter speeding and other violations. Furthermore, right turns on red lights have been criminalized at several high-traffic intersections, a move designed to improve pedestrian safety and reduce collisions. This comprehensive approach highlights Spokane's commitment to addressing traffic fatalities and ensuring safer streets for all residents. The effectiveness of each of these initiatives will be closely monitored as the city strives to create a safer transportation environment. The success of the expanded flashing sign program, in particular, will likely play a significant role in informing future traffic safety investments.
Category:
Politics