LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — More than 310 students have been struck by vehicles while traveling to or from school this school year in Clark County, according to district data, with the school year not yet complete.
The incidents, documented between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m., represent a crisis on local roads that has prompted safety initiatives across the Valley and calls for legislative action.
FOX5 reporter Jaclyn Schultz said the numbers reflect only a portion of pedestrian crashes involving children.
“This is what’s documented only from the hours of 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., and only kids who are going to or from school,” Schultz said.
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E-devices tied to sharp increase in crashes
More than 130 of the incidents this school year involved students on e-devices, compared to fewer than 10 last year.
“More than 130 times this school year, a kid has been struck by a car going to or from school while on an e-device,” Schultz said. “Whereas last year, less than 10.”
The median age of students struck while on e-devices is 12 years old.
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“Most of the kids who are being struck that are on e-devices going to or from school are the median age of 12 years old. So they’re still little,” Schultz said. “And so it’s very hard for drivers to see them, and that’s why they are getting clipped on the roads,” Schultz said, citing interviews from traffic experts.
Data shows most incidents are not the children’s fault.
Safety events held across valley
Multiple agencies held events Tuesday as part of Safe Travels Day, including the Clark County School District, Clark County, Metro police and pedestrian safety advocates.
Free helmets were distributed at CCSD schools, and a child safety fair helped educate children and parents about laws governing e-bikes and e-scooters.
“There were events from CCSD, the county, from Metro police, from pedestrian safety advocates, on ‘Watch out for kids everywhere,’” Schultz said.
Metro issued a statement reminding drivers to be more aware during spring break, when children will be on streets throughout the valley on bikes, e-scooters and other devices.
Legislature studying e-device regulations
The Nevada Legislature began studying e-device regulations in March, examining laws from other states that require training and licenses to operate the devices.
Erin Breen from the UNLV Transportation Research Center said students without driver’s licenses may lack awareness of road rules needed to safely operate e-scooters traveling 20 to 30 mph.
Possible future regulations could include helmet requirements, training mandates and speed limits. The earliest that any new laws could take effect will be spring 2027, unless the Nevada Legislature holds a special session.
“What works in Henderson might not work for Nye County, might not work in Washoe County,” Schultz said, describing the challenge facing lawmakers. “So they kind of have to paint a broad brush as to what they’re seeing statewide and then create laws accordingly.”
Parents face financial, legal consequences
Henderson police said parents will be responsible for paying citations issued to their children and must represent them as legal guardians.
Parents also face significant hospital bills when children are transported to emergency rooms. While most injuries involve broken bones, some cases result in serious trauma or brain damage.
“There are very dangerous, serious consequences,” Schultz said.
Three-pronged approach to safety
Officials are pursuing safety improvements through education, engineering, and enforcement.
Starting this summer, drivers who speed through school zones will face double fines.
Engineering solutions include creating protected bike lanes near schools. Commissioner Michael Naft is examining options for protected lanes in areas where children frequently use devices.
A comprehensive safety report examining school locations near major arterial roads will be presented to the county commission and CCSD this spring.
“Many [schools] are by major arterial streets. We’re talking Flamingo, Tropicana, Russell,” Schultz said. “And cars are going 45. They might even be going 55 or higher, and they shouldn’t be. But then there are kids getting out of school and crossing the street.”
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