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

SALT LAKE CITY (Aug. 11, 2026) — As more than 650,000 students across Utah begin returning to the classroom, starting with Granite School District on Aug. 12 and many of the state’s largest school districts the following week, the American Red Cross of Utah is reminding families that back-to-school safety starts before the first bell rings.

The trip to and from school is one of the first safety lessons of the new school year. Before classes begin, parents should talk with their children about the safest route to school, where to cross streets, how to stay alert and what to do if something unexpected happens along the way.

“For parents, the days before school starts are a good time to talk with children about staying safe on the way to and from school,” said Benjamin Donner, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Central and Southern Utah Chapter. “Those conversations can help children feel more confident, recognize potential hazards and make good decisions whether they’re walking, biking, riding the bus or driving.”

For younger children, walking the route to school before the first day can help them become familiar with the safest places to cross streets and where to wait for the bus. Students who ride bicycles should wear a properly fitted helmet every time they ride.

Older students also benefit from reminders to stay aware of their surroundings when walking or biking to school. Students who listen to music should keep one earbud out so they can hear traffic, school buses and other sounds around them.

School Zone Safety
The start of the school year means more activity around school zones, crosswalks and bus stops as students return to the classroom. Drivers should slow down, stay alert and watch for children walking, biking and getting on and off school buses before and after school.

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

• Stand at least 10 feet, or about five giant steps, from the curb while waiting for the school bus.
• Cross streets only at intersections or marked crosswalks and obey traffic signals.
• Stay where the school bus driver can see you and never walk behind the bus.
• If something falls near the bus, tell the driver. Never bend down to pick it up.
• Wear a properly fitted helmet when riding a bicycle.
  If listening to music while walking, keep one earbud out so you can hear traffic and other activity around you.

For Drivers:

• Slow down and stay alert in school zones and neighborhoods where children may be walking or biking.
• Never pass a school bus displaying flashing red lights and an extended stop arm.
• Put phones and other distractions away while driving, especially near schools.
• Allow extra travel time during the first weeks of school, when traffic is often heavier.

Prepare for emergencies
Parents and caregivers should become familiar with their child’s school emergency procedures before classes begin. They should also make sure the school has current emergency contact information for parents and caregivers, along with the names of anyone authorized to pick up their child if needed.

Families should create a household emergency plan so everyone knows who to contact, where to meet and how they will communicate if an emergency occurs during the school day. Additional emergency preparedness information, including tips for creating a household emergency plan, 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.