For many schools in central Iowa, the new year has begun. With that in mind, Perry Police Chief Eric Vaughn reminds people to be watchful for increased activity on the roads.
In Perry specifically, Vaughn says there is a lot more traffic along Willis Avenue, 1st and 18th streets, and Highway 141 while school is in session, particularly between 7-8 a.m. and 3-4 p.m. He adds, there’s also an increased amount of foot traffic that drivers need to be aware of. “As motorists, we need to make sure that we keep an eye out for the other vehicles, and for those kiddos, too. Sometimes kids have a bad habit of not watching before they cross the street, whether they’re walking or on a bicycle. So we need to take the opportunity and take a second. And if we see kids try to make eye contact with them if we’re driving, so we can kind of make a determination if they’re going to dart out in front of us. But you need to be prepared for that.”
As for the kids walking or biking to and from school, Vaughn says it’s a good idea for them to use the sidewalks, as opposed to walking on the streets. He also emphasizes that they need to obey all traffic laws and be careful when at intersections. Finally, Vaughn points out that officers will once again be conducting school patrol at the beginning of each day and at dismissal, as they work to keep everyone safe throughout the year. To learn more about back to school safety, click the link below to listen to the recent Perry Fareway Let’s Talk Dallas County program with Vaughn.