With all area schools being back in session this week, it’s important for parents, children, and the public to keep in mind back to school safety.

Perry Police Chief Eric Vaughn advises motorists to have a heightened awareness this time of year, because kids can cross their paths with little warning. This is especially true when driving between 7-8:30 a.m., and 2-3:30 p.m. each weekday. Additionally, Vaughn says kids who may be walking or riding their bikes to school need to obey all stop signs and traffic lights, and always exercise caution when crossing streets. Another safety aspect that Vaughn emphasizes is important all year, but especially during back to school, is “stranger danger.” To that end, he offers several tips for kids to protect themselves.

“Be aware of your surroundings. Don’t be so caught up maybe in your phone, or reading your phone, or texting, or playing a game while you’re walking. Walk where it’s visible, walk on the sidewalk, walk with a friend; those are always great tips. If someone does approach you that you don’t know, keep a couple arms-lengths away from them. So if somebody does try to approach you, or try to harm you in some way, that you have a little bit of distance so you can try to get out of there as soon as you can. Be vocal, try to get attention to the people around you. Yell and holler, get another adult’s attention that might come and assist you.”

To learn more about back to school safety, listen to today’s Perry Fareway Let’s Talk Dallas County program with Vaughn on air and and RaccoonValleyRadio.com.