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

LAS VEGAS (Aug. 7, 2024) — With over 300,000 Clark County students returning to school this Monday, the American Red Cross of Southern Nevada emphasizes the importance of vigilance for drivers and proactive discussions between parents and children to ensure a safe beginning to the academic year.

It’s essential to be mindful of young pedestrians, especially now. Research from the American Academy of Pediatrics shows an 11% rise in child pedestrian fatalities since 2013, despite an overall decrease in pedestrian deaths over the past 30 years. This increase is most noticeable among 10- to 14-year-olds and 15- to 19-year-olds, who often walk or bike to school. Being more cautious around student pedestrians is critical as schools reopen.

“Students walking to school may be distracted by technology like smartphones, social media and earphones, tuning out their surroundings,” said Rachel Flanigan, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Southern Nevada Chapter. “It’s crucial for drivers to stay aware of children walking to school with these distractions. In today’s fast-paced and tech-focused world, safeguarding the well-being of student walking or biking to school is essential.”

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 when approaching a stopped bus until its red lights stop flashing, the stop arm retracts and all children are safely out of the roadway.

Red Cross Safety Tips

1. Arrive early and stand clear of the curb while waiting for the bus.
2. Board the bus only after it stops completely, following the driver’s instructions.
   
3. Stay visible to 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. Everyone in the car should use a seatbelt; younger children should use car seats or booster seats.
   
7. For teen drivers, wear seat belts, don’t use phones and avoid eating or drinking while driving.
   
8. Students riding bikes to school should wear helmets and ride on the right side, the same direction as traffic.
   
9. Students walking to school should cross streets at intersections, preferably those with crossing guards.
   
10. Parents should walk with young kids and those on new routes or at new schools for at least the first week and have students walk together.
    

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. Visit redcross.org/prepare for emergency planning guidance.

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 follow us on social media.