With school back in session, Perry Police Chief Eric Vaughn feels now is a good time to remind kids, parents, and the public about back to school safety.

Vaughn reminds motorists they need to be watching out for young children at all times, as they can sometimes come out of nowhere into the streets. As far as the children themselves, he says it’s always a good idea to use the sidewalks and trails when walking or riding a bike to school. If they have to walk on the street, he says the best thing to do is walk on the left side towards the traffic so they can see cars coming. The opposite is true for bikes, as they need to stay on the right side of the street and obey all traffic laws an automobile would.

For parents and students driving to school, as well as other motorists on the road, Vaughn asks them to exercise caution during the peak traffic times. “Before and after school at this time of year, there’s a dramatic increase in the amount of traffic flow we have. Especially in those hours between like say 7 and 8 (a.m.), and then again after school between 3 and 4 (p.m.) or so. We try to be out in the school areas doing a little extra patrol, not only just to be visible for those drivers so they’re being aware, but also just to make sure the kids feel safe coming to and from school.”

Vaughn adds, people should never pass a school bus with its lights on. In addition to being dangerous for the students, if a driver is caught doing it they can incur a hefty fine and possibly lose their license. To hear more about back to school safety, listen to next Tuesday’s Perry Fareway Let’s Talk Dallas County program at RaccoonValleyRadio.com.