Day 2: “Arterial” doesn’t mean “open somebody’s arteries”

standard_sign.jpgAs the new school year starts its second day, our inbox is full of implorings from concerned WS folks who want to remind everyone to SLOW DOWN IN SCHOOL ZONES. Don’t wait for this to become reality; do the right thing. Also, make sure you know the law — Eric Baer from the Pathfinder K-8 PTSA (their school fronts a busy straightaway on Genesee Hill) pulled up the fine print, including some things that might surprise you:

First, if you are cited for speeding or other violations in a school zone or around a school bus, the fines are doubled:

[Seattle Municipal code SMC 11.31.115 and RCW 46.61.370 (1) and RCW 46.61.440 (3)]

These fines may not be waived, reduced, or suspended. [RCW 46.61.370 (1) and RCW 46.61.440 (3)]

Secondly, I don’t think that many people know how broad the definition of “when children are present is” – from (this city webpage):

“Definition of “When Children are Present”

The supplemental or lower panel of a “School Speed Limit 20” sign which reads “When Children are Present” shall indicate to the motorist that the 20 mile per hour school speed limit is in force under the following conditions:

(1) School children are occupying or walking within the marked crosswalk.

(2) School children are waiting at the curb or on the shoulder of the roadway and are about to cross the roadway by way of the marked crosswalk.

(3) School children are present or walking along the roadway, either on the adjacent sidewalk or, in the absence of sidewalks, on the shoulder within the posted school speed limit zone which extends 300 feet in either direction from the marked crosswalk.”

Finally, from Washington State , the penalties for violations:

Disobeying school patrol (RCW 46.61.385) $216.00

Passing stopped school bus (with red lights flashing) (RCW 46.61.370): $394.00

Speeding if speed limit is 40 m.p.h. or less:

1‑5 m.p.h. over limit: $113.00

6‑10 m.p.h. over limit: $124.00

11‑15 m.p.h. over limit: $154.00

16‑20 m.p.h. over limit: $195.00

21‑25 m.p.h. over limit: $247.00

26‑30 m.p.h. over limit: $298.00

31‑35 m.p.h. over limit: $349.00

Over 35 m.p.h. over limit: $411.00

5 Replies to "Day 2: "Arterial" doesn't mean "open somebody's arteries""

  • Katherine September 6, 2007 (9:24 am)

    One more thing,from my experience working traffic court. Not all school children are small. If you get a ticket, how are you going to prove in court that that hulk over on the sidewalk wasn’t enrolled in school? If you see anybody at all around, slow down.

  • hello insomnia September 6, 2007 (10:06 am)

    As I was driving along Delridge this morning, I was suprised at how many people zoomed past the groups of kids waiting for the bus. Made me think about a newsstory I caught a couple of weeks ago about a guy who used cardboard cutouts of children and placed them by the road to deter speeders. Not such a bad idea in other areas, too.

  • Jim September 6, 2007 (9:23 pm)

    One thing that has changed since us forty somethings took drivers ED. It use to be that you had to stop for a school buses red flashing lights when traveling the opposite direction, in all situations with the exception of a divided highway. Now it only pertains to two lane roads. A two lane road with a left turn lane, drive right on past.

    (page 49 of the Washington drivers guide)

  • Wes September 7, 2007 (7:58 am)

    Can I give a shout out to the drivers going down 45th by Madison Middle School….please I know the road is wide, but don’t go down it ot 40 mph. There are a lot of kids who live and go to school here. It’s not worth hitting one of these kids.
    That means you in the red and white mini cooper with your company logo on it.
    Thank you WSB for posting this!
    That is all

  • Jan September 7, 2007 (11:54 am)

    ohhhh…I know that mini-cooper…bad on them…especially when they’re advertising who they are…

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