As part of Target Zero Task Force, a traffic safety program that strives to end traffic deaths and serious injuries in Washington by 2030, Click it or Ticket recently showed successful results. The goal was to pursue unbuckled and distracted drivers.

More than 130 police and sheriff agencies statewide worked the extra patrols, funded by a grant from the Washington Traffic Safety Commission.

Between May 20th and June 2nd, extra law enforcement patrolled Spokane, Whitman, Pend Oreille and Ferry County roads looking for unbuckled drivers and passengers, and motorists using their cell phones or other electronic devices.

During these patrols, 297 seatbelt infractions were written, in addition to 101 cell phone/texting or usage of other electronic device tickets.

Other tickets issued during extra patrols included

Summer has arrived and with parks and roadways filled with pedestrians and cyclists, the City of Spokane is reminding drivers to stay safe and share the road.

“'Don't compete,share the street' sums it up very well. If drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians work together and follow the rules of the road then we can all enjoy safer travels this summer,” said Spokane Police Officer, Teresa Fuller.

The fines can be steep for ignoring the rules. For instance, a pedestrian who doesn't use a cross walk is looking st a $56 ticket, while a motorist who fails to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk can be given a $124 infraction. Cyclists can be given tickets for failing to wear a helmet and for running red lights.

While school zones may not apply over the summer, the city has many park zones that also have 20 miles per hour speed limit. Remember to be on the look out for children using crosswalks in areas with parks.

Be prepared for some driving headaches! The Monroe Street Bridge will be closed for almost a month starting on June 3rd.

Clearwater Construction will be closing the bridge in order to work on the Kendall Yards and Spokane Joint Storm Water Facility. The project will install manholes and piping that will run under Monroe Street. 

The bridge will be closed from June 3rd to June 27th. During that time traffic will be redirected to the Washington Street Bridge.