As students return to classrooms across the Wenatchee School District, ensuring their safety on the roads is a top priority. To emphasize the importance of traffic safety in school zones, the Wenatchee School District is partnering with the Wenatchee Police Department's traffic unit to conduct emphasis patrols during the first few weeks of the school year.
These patrols will focus on enforcing speed limits in school zones, proper yielding at crosswalks, and other traffic laws designed to protect children walking and biking to school. Drivers are reminded to be especially vigilant during school hours, particularly in areas with high pedestrian activity.
Sergeant Erik Vasquez of the Wenatchee Police Department leads the PD’s newly formed traffic unit, added, "We urge all drivers to slow down and pay close attention in school zones and around school buses. Let's work together to ensure a safe and successful start to the school year for all Wenatchee students.”
In addition to the patrols, the district is partnering with the city of Wenatchee and the Washington Traffic Safety Commission to improve traffic safety at school crossing and pedestrian corridors throughout the city. Drivers can expect to see changes in signage and traffic calming mitigation measures near schools.
“The safety of our students is paramount," said Kory Kalahar, Superintendent of the Wenatchee School District. “We're grateful for the close collaboration with the Wenatchee PD and city of Wenatchee in creating a safe environment for our students as they travel to and from school.”
The Wenatchee School District and Wenatchee PD are committed to maintaining safe roadways for all residents and visitors. The emphasis patrols serve as a reminder that traffic safety is everyone's responsibility.