As students head back to the classroom, AAA Washington is reminding drivers to stay alert and prioritize safety, especially in school zones.
Megan West, AAA Washington’s Chief Experience Officer, spoke with KIRO 7 about the importance of slowing down and paying attention as school traffic increases.
“School corridors have been dormant and it’s time to zone in and slow down,” West said.
With more cars, school buses, bicyclists and pedestrians on the roads, AAA says drivers need to be especially cautious in school safety corridors. West said even small increases in speed can have a significant impact on driver reaction times.
“Research time and time again shows that even a difference of five or ten miles per hour can change your reaction time and response time by feet and when you think about a school safety corridor and kids running around, a matter of feet is a big difference between safety and a really difficult situation,” West said.
Issaquah Police continue to enforce school zone speed limits. In 2025, officers issued 124 traffic infractions for speeding in school zones. In addition, speed cameras issued 11,020 infractions.
AAA Washington is also encouraging drivers to put away distractions while traveling through school areas.
“A 2025 AAA study found that 31% of drivers admitted to using their devices in school zones,” West said.
Some schools are also working to improve safety around campuses. Grand Ridge Elementary participates in AAA’s School Safety Patrol Program, which helps students safely navigate school crossings and traffic areas.
According to AAA, the School Safety Patrol Program includes 700 schools and 22,000 students across Washington state.
“School safety patrols help keep safety corridors and crossing zones in and around school areas clear of traffic,” West said. “They add that extra visibility and safety, so drivers know when the students that are coming in, that are walking to school or getting dropped off around the area, have a safe place to cross.”
As the school year begins, AAA’s message to drivers is straightforward: stay focused, put your phone away, and follow the speed limit when traveling through school zones.
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