Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680

LAS VEGAS (Aug. 5, 2023) — As over 300,000 Clark County students gear up to return to school this Monday, the American Red Cross of Southern Nevada is arming students and parents with vital safety information to help ensure a safe start to the new academic year.

Each year more than 25,000 children are injured and about 100 children are killed while walking to or from school by distracted or speeding drivers nationwide, according to the Transportation Research Board, a part of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine.

"As students embark on a new school year, their safety is our top priority,” said Rachel Flanigan, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Southern Nevada Chapter. “Often, students may be distracted or not paying close attention when walking. This makes it even more crucial for drivers to be vigilant. By following these essential tips, we can collectively foster a safer environment for students and create a smooth transition back to school."

Slow down in school zones
Drivers should slow down as children head back to school. Yellow flashing lights on a bus indicate it's preparing to stop, requiring motorists to slow down and be ready to stop. Red flashing lights and an extended stop sign indicate the bus is stopped and children are getting on or off. Drivers must stop behind, beside or when approaching a stopped bus until its red lights stop flashing, the stop arm retracts, and all children are safe.

Red Cross tips to help keep students safe:

1. If your student rides a bus to school, ensure they plan to arrive at their bus stop early and stand away from the curb while waiting for the bus.
2. Students should only board the bus after it has come to a complete stop and the driver or attendant has instructed them to do so. They should only get on their designated bus, not an alternate one.
   
3. Students should remain in clear view of the bus driver and never walk behind the bus.
   
4. Cross the street only at corners, obey traffic signals and stay in the crosswalks.
   
5. Never dart out into the street or cross between parked cars.
   
6. If children travel to school in a car, they should always wear a seat belt. Younger children should use car seats or booster seats until the lap-shoulder belt fits properly and they should ride in the back seat until they are at least 13 years old.
   
7. If a teenager is driving to school, parents should demand seatbelts are used. Teen drivers should not use their cell phones to text or make calls and should avoid eating or drinking while driving.
   
8. Students who bike to school should always wear a helmet and ride on the right, in the same direction as the traffic.
   
9. When walking to school, students should only cross the street at intersections, preferably where the school has placed crossing guards.
   
10. Parents should accompany young children to school, as well as children taking new routes or attending new schools, at least for the first week to ensure they know how to get there safely. Arrange for students to walk to school with a friend or classmate.
    

Prepare for emergencies
Know what the emergency plan is at your child’s school in case a disaster or an unforeseen event occurs. Develop a family emergency plan so everyone will know who to contact and where to go if something happens while children are at school and parents are at work. Details are available at redcross.org/prepare.

About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.