Clark County Unveils New School Traffic Safety Plan

A New Approach to Student Safety

As the new school year approaches in Southern Nevada, Clark County officials are taking aggressive steps to address a alarming trend in student pedestrian accidents. Following a year in which 432 students were struck by vehicles, the Clark County Office of Traffic Safety has unveiled a comprehensive plan designed to secure school zones and protect children during their daily commute.

This initiative comes on the heels of the passage of Assembly Bill 6, a landmark piece of legislation that was elevated to a special session of the Nevada Legislature—a first in state history. The law provides local agencies with the necessary tools to manage school zone safety more effectively, including the authority to set school zone lengths and control the timing of safety flashers.

Enhanced Enforcement and Infrastructure

Andrew Bennett, Director of the Clark County Office of Traffic Safety, presented the new strategy, which emphasizes both immediate enforcement and long-term infrastructure improvements. A primary component of the plan is a two-week, high-visibility enforcement blitz at the start of the school year. This effort will see a coordinated response from the Nevada Highway Patrol and the Clark County School District (CCSD) Police, ensuring that drivers are held accountable for speeding or reckless behavior in designated school zones.

In addition to increased police presence, the county is updating its physical infrastructure. Workers have been busy repainting crosswalks to ensure maximum visibility for both students and motorists. Furthermore, the county is utilizing its new authority under AB6 to extend the operation of school zone flashers. These lights will now remain active for 50 minutes—40 minutes before the bell and 10 minutes after in the morning, and 10 minutes before the bell and 40 minutes after in the afternoon—providing a wider window of protection for students.

Addressing Modern Transportation Challenges

Recognizing that students are increasingly using modern electronic devices to get to school, Clark County has also submitted an interim joint judiciary bill aimed at regulating e-bikes and e-scooters. The proposal seeks to establish clear safety standards, including a mandatory helmet law for riders under 18, a minimum riding age of 11, and an anti-tampering clause for high-powered devices. The bill would also extend DUI and impound authority to these devices, ensuring that law enforcement has the power to address reckless operation on public roads.

To support these changes, a $100,000 donation from Formula 1 is funding the development and translation of new educational materials. These resources are designed to reach a diverse student and parent population, ensuring that safety information is accessible to all families in the district.

Community Involvement

For parents and residents concerned about the safety of their local schools, the district has launched a new tool on the CCSD website. This resource allows users to look up their specific school and identify the jurisdiction responsible for its traffic safety measures. By fostering transparency and encouraging community reporting, the county hopes to create a more responsive system that can adapt to the unique needs of each neighborhood.

As the district continues to navigate budgetary challenges and educational priorities, the focus on physical safety remains a top concern for families across the valley. By prioritizing these infrastructure and enforcement upgrades, Clark County is signaling that the safety of its students is non-negotiable.

Why This Matters

The safety of our children is the bedrock of a thriving community. When hundreds of students are put at risk on their way to the classroom, it is a clear signal that current policies are insufficient. By leveraging new legislative authority and fostering cooperation between law enforcement and local government, Clark County is taking the necessary steps to ensure that every child can get to school and back home safely. This is a vital reminder that local government must remain vigilant and responsive to the immediate physical needs of its citizens.