UDOT logo
View Safe Routes Map
UDOT logo

Safe Routes Utah Blog

Mother and son with a backpack on walking in a crosswalk to school.

Back to School: Slowing Down the Neighborhood 

Summer is officially wrapping up, and Utah’s neighborhood streets are trading quiet mornings for the vibrant chaos of a brand-new school year. Fresh sneakers are hitting the pavement, backpacks are stuffed to the brim, and kids are out walking, biking, and scootering to class in full force. But after months of driving on wide-open summer roads, it’s easy for drivers to forget how a familiar commute changes when the school bells start ringing. Before you put the keys in the ignition, remember that the most important back-to-school supply isn’t in a store aisle, it’s a heavy foot on the brake pedal.

August 5, 2026
Little boy wearing a red bicycle helmet outdoors

The Bright Side: Your Guide to Seeing and Being Seen

Stepping out for the morning trip to school, whether on two wheels or two feet, is a great way to build independence, but it requires a “safety-first” mindset to navigate the unpredictability of traffic.

March 3, 2026
Crossing guard in yellow safety vest holds stop sign while people cross street at crosswalk on sunny day with mountains visible in background.

Walking in the Winter has Surprising Benefits

When winter arrives in Utah, it’s easy to default to driving your kids to school. The frosty air, icy sidewalks, and snow make the car seem like the coziest option. However, encouraging your child to walk to school, even in the cold, can have surprising benefits. Bundling up and taking a walk outside can boost their physical and mental health, build resilience, and teach safety skills.

December 24, 2024
A crossing guard in bright yellow safety vest stands with a young student on a sidewalk near a stop sign, both waving at the camera.

A Champion for Traffic Safety

Safety has always been a big priority in the Jones household, so it was no surprise when Lincoln chose to research the history of the traffic light for his history project. Lincoln lives by a busy road and has witnessed many cars passing by his house daily. He has also heard many sirens rushing by to attend to crashes at the intersection close by. These observations, along with his mom being a crossing guard, sparked his interest in the importance of traffic lights and their role in preventing crashes.

July 22, 2024
Two young children, a boys and a girl, are dressed as a skeleton and Frankenstein for Halloween. They are ready to trick or treat for candy while holding illuminated Jack O' Lanterns in a local residential neighborhood. Image taken in Utah, USA.

Shine Bright on Halloween: A Guide to Make Sure Your Child is Seen 

As the leaves change color and the air turns crisp, Halloween approaches, bringing with it the excitement and anticipation of trick-or-treating. While it’s a day meant for fun and festivities, it is also an important day to prioritize safety, especially when it comes to your little trick-or-treaters. With the days growing shorter and the sun setting earlier, here are some tips to make sure that your child is seen while they are out on Halloween.

October 17, 2023
Traffic safety scavenger hunt

Traffic Safety Scavenger Hunt

Our safety scavenger hunt will help students embark on a fun-filled adventure, learning vital safety tips in an engaging and memorable way. From identifying safe crossing points and understanding traffic signals, to practicing how to walk to school safely. The safety scavenger hunt helps children develop practical life skills that extend beyond the school environment, while giving parents the opportunity to discuss safety and peace of mind knowing their student is equipped in safe walking/biking practices. 

August 15, 2023
Person on skates being guided by another person during practice

4 Places To Find Summer Activities

Being out of school doesn’t have to mean being stuck at home all summer! Here are some fun, easy ideas to keep your kids active, learning and having fun all summer long.

May 15, 2023
Smiling boy wearing a winter jacket

Walk & Roll Tips From ‘Utah With Kids’

If you’re like us, you love Utah and all of the exciting activities it has to offer. Our friend Kyra feels the same. She runs the Instagram account Utah With Kids, and specializes in finding all the best kid-friendly things to do in Utah, including Safe Routes. Just like every mom, Kyra knows how incredibly busy mornings can be during the school year. She shared some tips on how she makes it all work, so her kiddos get all the rewards from being active as well as a chance to win sweet prizes.

April 13, 2022
We want our children to know how dangerous construction sites are and encourage them to keep a safe distance.

The Dangers of Construction Sites and What We’re Doing to Keep Our Kids Safe

Construction zones are common throughout Utah and can be extremely dangerous for young people. The Safe Routes Utah outreach team educates elementary aged kids about the dangers in these areas through an interactive assembly called, “Think Safety.” It teaches concepts about safety through play and is designed to mitigate their curiosity around construction zones. Students leave knowing to steer clear of these areas and to remain alert and attentive when passing by.

February 18, 2022