LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Las Vegas roadways may look a little different Monday, with kids returning to class after summer break. Drivers should expect extra pedestrians and extra traffic, and students walking to school should expect some changes designed to keep them safe.
It's been five months since a 12-year-old Faiss Middle School student was hit and killed by a car, while trying to cross Fort Apache. At the time, parents begged for action. The county has since agreed to install a new crosswalk. However, students at Faiss Middle School will have to wait one more school year for that to happen.
RELATED: Traffic signal to be installed following Faiss MS student death
In other parts of the valley, changes already taking place over the summer. Henderson recently installed two new high-intensity activated crosswalk beacons. One is outside Greenspun Junior High School, and the other is outside Foothill High School. The changes were made after two teenagers were hit by a car while riding a bike home from school.
RELATED: Henderson installs new crosswalk signals after two students hit by car
There are ways parents can help keep their children safe as they walk or bike to school.
- Do a test trip. Maybe drive your child to school Monday, so you can walk them through their route before they have to do it alone. If you can't do that, draw out a map on their binder.
- Prevent distracted walking. Make sure your child isn't looking down at their phone while walking to school.
- Encourage your child to walk in a group. There is safety in numbers.
