Red Cross issues back-to-school safety guidance for Clark County students

As more than 280,000 Clark County School District students returned to class on Monday, Aug. 10, the American Red Cross of Southern Nevada urged families to review safety routines established before the first bell rang. With increased pedestrian and vehicular traffic filling roads across the region, officials emphasized that discussing safe travel routes, street crossings and bus stops with children before school began helped prevent accidents and built confidence during the daily commute.

Urgent need for school zone safety

The safety reminders came following a hazardous 2025-2026 school year in which Clark County students were involved in 427 crashes while traveling to and from school, resulting in four fatalities. The majority of these incidents involved students walking or riding bicycles, e-bikes and e-scooters. In response to regional safety concerns, a new Nevada law took effect on July 1 that doubled penalties for traffic violations committed within designated school zones.

“The days before school starts are a good time for parents to talk with their children about staying safe on the way to and from school,” said Rachel Flanigan, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Southern Nevada 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.”

Safety guidelines for students and motorists

To reduce risks along daily routes, the Red Cross recommended that parents walk or ride planned paths with younger students prior to the start of the school year to identify safe street crossings and bus stop locations. Bicyclists were instructed to always wear a properly fitted helmet, while students walking with headphones were advised to leave at least one earbud out to remain aware of traffic sounds, sirens and approaching school buses. Near bus stops, children were told to wait at least 10 feet back from the curb, cross streets exclusively at marked intersections and avoid walking behind a bus or reaching for dropped items without alerting the driver.

Drivers were similarly urged to exercise heightened caution by eliminating mobile phone distractions, obeying reduced speed limits in school zones and allowing extra travel time during morning drop-off and afternoon dismissal hours. Motorists were also reminded that passing a school bus displaying flashing red lights and an extended stop arm was strictly prohibited.

Preparing for school emergencies

In addition to commute safety, the Red Cross encouraged caregivers to familiarize themselves with individual campus emergency procedures and ensure schools maintained updated emergency contact lists and authorized pick-up information. Families were also advised to establish a household emergency plan outlining communication methods and designated meeting locations in the event of an unexpected incident during the school day. Additional family preparedness resources and planning guides remain available at redcross.org/prepare.