ST. GEORGE — With over 670,000 Utah students either already back at school or starting next week, the American Red Cross of Utah is emphasizing the importance of vigilance for drivers and proactive discussions between parents and children to ensure a safe beginning to the academic year.
The Red Cross said in a news release that 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 Jeremiah Lafranca, executive director of the American Red Cross of Utah Greater Salt Lake Chapter, in a news release. “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 students 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.
Per Utah Code, as of February 2024, the minimum fine for passing a stopped school bus with its stop sign out and lights flashing in Utah is $1,000. This is a 300% increase from the previous fine of $250. A second offense within three years carries a minimum fine of $320.
Red Cross offer safety tips
- Arrive early and stand clear of the curb while waiting for the bus.
- Board the bus only after it stops completely, following the driver’s instructions.
- Stay visible to the bus driver and never walk behind the bus.
- Cross the street only at corners, obey traffic signals and stay in the crosswalks.
- Never dart out into the street or cross between parked cars.
- Everyone in the car should use a seatbelt; younger children should use car seats or booster seats.
- For teen drivers, wear seat belts, don’t use phones and avoid eating or drinking while driving.
- Students riding bikes to school should wear helmets and ride on the right side, the same direction as traffic.
- Students walking to school should cross streets at intersections, preferably those with crossing guards.
- 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.