With the school year now over, there are lots of kids enjoying the outdoors, which means motorists need to be extra aware when traveling on the road.

Jefferson Police Chief Mark Clouse tells Raccoon Valley Radio there are more kids out walking, bicycling, skateboarding and doing other activities outdoors and so motorists should be more watchful of children.

“Main thing is make sure that they (the kids) see you (the motorist). I mean even if you see them, make sure they see you. So if they’re on a bike at an intersection, you want to wait for that eye contact from them before you either go or motion them through, or whatever. It’s real important that they see you as well.”   

Clouse points out city-owned property such as the Jefferson Public Library and the Greene County Community Center prohibit skateboarding as a recreational activity, but there is a skateboarding park located on East Lincoln Way, across from the Milwaukee Depot.

“It has a few amenities in there, they can ride their skateboards on. It’s fenced off to keep them safe from traffic and other things. So I want to encourage them to use that facility.”   

Clouse hopes everyone has fun during the summer break and stays safe before the next school year starts in August.