With school starting this week, motorists are advised to pay extra attention for kids in the street. However, Washington County Sheriff Jerry Dunbar says it’s also up to the parents and children themselves to stay safe. He emphasized when crossing the street, they need to look both ways at least once, maybe twice, before entering the road. Additionally, dressing kids in bright clothes can help them be noticed by drivers. It’s also advisable for kids going to school for the first time be accompanied by their parent, as Dunbar said they have a tendency to not pay attention due to being over-excited.

He said the most important thing parents can do is continually remind the children to be safe, watch what they’re doing, and be careful when crossing the street. Dunbar said the sheriff’s department will do their part to keep kids safe by watching over area schools such as the Mid-Prairie and Highland districts, while the Washington Police Department will monitor the schools in Washington.