Flashing school zone signs get results

Sometimes all people need is a little reminder.

That’s proven to be the case near University and Progress elementary schools in Spokane Valley.

Traffic speeds near both schools have gone down dramatically since the city and Central Valley School District teamed up to install flashing school zone signs.

The signs also display the speed vehicles are traveling.

So far speeds outside University Elementary have dropped by about 19 percent. Speeds near Progress Elementary have gone down almost 32 percent.

The signs were installed just before the school year started and were paid for with grant money from the Washington Transportation Safety Council.

Beacons were also installed in Seth Woodard, Trentwood and Broadway elementary school zones, but results haven’t been reported yet.

Everyone pays

Stories about thieves stealing copper and other metals have been prevalent of late.

High metal prices have contributed to a wave of people stealing wiring, piping and any other kind of copper they can get their hands on.

Now thieves are stealing from circuit boxes along the highway, and Washington State Department of Transportation officials are concerned about its impact on public coffers and safety.

So far there haven’t been any major thefts in the Spokane area – at least not to the extent observed in Western Washington – said WSDOT spokeswoman Alice Fiman.

Thieves have stolen more than $100,000 worth of copper wiring from streetlights and storage yards statewide.

WSDOT and the Washington State Patrol are securing storage yards and enlisting public help.

They urge drivers to keep an eye out for odd work crews along the roadside. Suspicious vehicles should be reported to 911.

Reports can also be made at www.wsdot.wa.gov/maintenance/material.

Tough love

Washington teen drivers may complain about the restrictions imposed by graduated driver’s licenses, but studies show they save lives.

The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety reports 38 percent fewer fatal crashes among 16-year-olds in states with graduated licenses compared to states without the program.

Crashes are the number one killer of teens in the United States, according to the foundation.

Graduated licenses typically limit night driving and driving with non-family passengers. Idaho has no such restrictions.

Spring road restrictions

As sure as crocuses bloom in spring, rural roads will be weight-restricted this time of year.

Spokane County has posted temporary weight and speed restrictions on many roads weakened by moisture.

The restrictions prevent extensive repairs later in the season and typically last until April or May.

Restricted roads are posted.

Slow going

One westbound lane of Spokane Falls Boulevard will be closed through Wednesday near Pine Street to make room for a crane.