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

SALT LAKE CITY (Aug. 4, 2025) — With more than 675,000 Utah students heading back to school starting next week, the American Red Cross of Utah is urging drivers to stay alert and encouraging families to talk with their children about safety to help prevent accidents as students return to classes.

Now more than ever, it’s important to watch for young pedestrians. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, child pedestrian fatalities have increased by 11% since 2013 — even as overall pedestrian deaths have declined over the past 30 years. The sharpest rise is seen among 10- to 14-year-olds and 15- to 19-year-olds, many of whom walk or bike to school. With campuses reopening, extra caution is critical.

“Students walking to school may be distracted by smartphones, social media or earbuds, which can prevent them from noticing nearby traffic,” said Heidi Ruster, Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross Utah/Nevada Region. “In today’s fast-paced and tech-focused world, it’s vital that drivers stay alert and that families reinforce safety habits for students walking or biking to school.”

Slow Down in School Zones
Drivers should reduce their speed and stay attentive in school zones. Flashing yellow lights on a school bus indicate it is preparing to stop, and motorists should slow down and be ready to stop. Flashing red lights and an extended stop arm mean children are getting on or off the bus. Drivers must stop in both directions until the red lights stop flashing, the stop arm retracts, and all children are safely out of the roadway.

Back-to-School Safety Tips from the Red Cross
For Students:

• Arrive early and stand well back from the curb while waiting for the bus.
• Board the bus only after it has come to a complete stop and follow the driver’s instructions.
• Stay in view of the bus driver; never walk behind the bus.
• Cross streets only at intersections, obey signals and use crosswalks.
• Never run into the street or cross between parked cars.
• Wear a helmet when biking to school and ride on the right-hand side of the road, in the direction of traffic.
• Walk in groups when possible and use routes with crossing guards.
• Parents should walk with young children and those attending a new school or using a new route for at least the first week.

For Student Drivers and Families:

• Always wear a seatbelt. Younger children should use appropriate car seats or booster seats.
• Teen drivers should buckle up, avoid using phones and do not eat or drink while driving.
• Allow extra time for your commute, as traffic is often heavier during school hours.
• Be patient with other drivers and pedestrians who may also be in a hurry.
• Stay calm behind the wheel, stress can lead to poor decisions and increased risk.

Prepare for emergencies
Parents and caregivers should be familiar with their child’s school emergency procedures in the event of a disaster or other unexpected situation. Families are encouraged to create a household emergency plan, so everyone knows who to contact and where to meet if an emergency occurs during school or work hours. Additional preparedness information is 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 follow us on social media.