Safest way to school involves two feet

In preparation for a new school year, we offer parents and students their first quiz to sharpen their minds: What is the safest way to travel to school?

No need to scroll down to the bottom, here's the answer: Walking.

That is according to Safe Community Partnership, an organization that works to reduce the number of traffic-related injuries throughout the Las Vegas Valley.

While most parents might believe their children are in more danger riding their bikes or walking to school, this is not the case, according to the organization. Statistics show that most severe accidents involving students occurs when an older sibling is driving the younger children to school.

Pedestrians should remember to walk against traffic while bikers should ride along with the vehicles.

Parents are advised to walk with their children on the first few days of school and take note of hazards along the way. This might include mean dogs, cracked sidewalks or even fellow students who might be bullies. Be sure to secure all paperwork in a backpack; some accidents are caused by students darting into the roadway to retrieve papers.

Bikers should wear helmets and obey traffic laws.

Safe Community Partnership also has some suggestions for motorists driving in an area where students walk to school. Pedestrians have the right of way, even if they begin to cross the street when the driver's traffic light turns green. Pedestrians have the right of way at all intersections, regardless of whether they are marked.

Parents or students with concerns can contact their school or the Safe Communities at 702-895-1780.

As for older students attending the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, the school is offering parking tips for the upcoming semester.

A new 1,000-space parking garage near the Cox Pavilion will be open when classes start today.

The best places to park are at the Thomas & Mack Center lots, which can be accessed from Tropicana Avenue or Swenson Street; the north parking garage, which can be accessed from Cottage Grove Avenue or Claymont Street; and the garage that was built over the summer.

The university assures students that there are enough parking spaces to accommodate everybody. UNLV's shuttle information, along with parking information, is available at http://parking.unlv.edu.

Contact reporter Adrienne Packer at apacker @reviewjournal.com or 702-384-8710.