Las Vegas Valley Enhances Pedestrian Safety for Students

Community efforts are enhancing pedestrian safety in school zones across Las Vegas Valley.

News Summary

In response to the tragic death of 18-year-old McKenzie Scott, Las Vegas Valley is implementing improved pedestrian safety measures as schools reopen. Community volunteers are stepping in as temporary crossing guards, while the Clark County School District looks to establish permanent solutions. Safety improvements, including new crossing guards and infrastructure enhancements, aim to protect students as they navigate their way to school and prevent similar tragedies in the future.

Las Vegas Valley is set to implement enhanced pedestrian safety measures as students prepare to return to school, following the death of 18-year-old McKenzie Scott. Scott was tragically killed by an alleged drunk driver while crossing the street near Arbor View High School in May. This incident has prompted local leaders to prioritize pedestrian safety initiatives to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

In response to Scott’s death, parents at Arbor View High School have volunteered to serve as temporary crossing guards, contributing to a community-wide effort to ensure students can navigate the area safely. This effort is expected to continue until a permanent solution, such as hiring professional crossing guards, can be established. Local parent Bethany Limov has announced the community’s intent to raise funds to support the hiring of crossing guards to enhance the safety of students on their way to school.

Clark County School District (CCSD) Superintendent Jhone Ebert noted that discussions are underway regarding the possibility of adding crossing guards at all high schools. Community engagement continues to be vital as authorities assess pedestrian safety needs. Clark County Commissioner Michael Naft highlighted the success of previously implemented safety measures, reporting a remarkable 69% decrease in accidents involving middle school students following the installation of crossing guards at all 23 middle schools in unincorporated Clark County last year. This significant reduction underscores the positive impact that crossing guards can have on student safety.

Moreover, neighboring regions, including North Las Vegas and Henderson, have also adopted similar measures by introducing crossing guards at their respective middle schools. The City of Las Vegas had previously conducted a pilot program between November 2024 and May 2025, placing crossing guards at Cimarron High School and Gibson Middle School. Results from this initiative indicated improved compliance with traffic regulations, highlighting the need for expanded safety protocols.

Despite these findings, the City of Las Vegas’s fiscal budget for the 2025-2026 period does not currently allocate funds for crossing guards at middle and high schools. Safety advocacy intensified after a report concerning dangers at Scott’s crossing was previously submitted to CCSD’s traffic department weeks before her death, but no corrective actions were taken at that time.

To further address safety concerns, parents are encouraged to report any hazards they encounter to both the CCSD and their local municipalities. Clark County residents have been advised to use the FixIt Clark County platform to request traffic improvements in their neighborhoods.

In addition to the community initiatives, the Crossing Guard Company is actively seeking to fill approximately 75 positions for crossing guards throughout the valley. They are hosting hiring events to attract potential candidates to enhance pedestrian safety.

Clark County also plans to introduce pedestrian safety enhancements at three critical intersections near public schools that have previously seen high rates of injuries. Proposed upgrades include the addition of ADA-compliant ramps and improved lighting conditions, all scheduled to begin at night to minimize disruption to traffic. The estimated cost for these enhancements is $2.474 million, funded by State and Regional Safety Funds, with a completion target set for March 2026.

Although pedestrian fatalities statewide have reported an uptick, with 162 deaths so far, early 2025 figures from the Nevada Department of Public Safety reveal a 26% decline in pedestrian deaths in Clark County compared to the same timeframe in 2024. Advocacy for improved pedestrian safety measures has been amplified following a series of tragic fatalities, including that of Joree Odabi, who also lost her life due to a traffic incident involving an alleged impaired driver.

As students return to the classrooms, the Las Vegas Valley community is taking significant steps to prioritize pedestrian safety, recognizing the urgent need to protect its students and prevent further tragedies.