The goal is to raise awareness in drivers in school zones.

The City of Reno, Washoe County School District, and Reno Police Department have teamed up to improve student safety while walking to school. 

They're doing this with flashing beacons attached to speed limit signs.

The push for a new type of sign began in 2019 and 2020 when 28 children in the Washoe County School District were hit by cars.

Traffic studies found that the area near Desert Heights Elementary had a bigger need for more safety measures compared to others.

"Our school numbers are going up. So, the more kids we have attending school, the more we need these. People are going to work at the same time, and they need to be aware that they are approaching a school, and they need to slow down," says Reno Police Traffic Sergeant, Adam Blount.

Blount recommends that parents put aside extra time to get their children to school and to dress them in brighter clothing. 

"It's just so important that we keep our children safe especially when they're going to and from school. Education is super important and making sure our kids can get to school safely is just so important," says Reco City Councilwoman, Meghan Ebert.

Ebert was able to fund this project with $70,000 from the ARPA fund. 

She adds that the goal is to have these beacons at every school in the Washoe County School District.Â