Police urge safe driving as school gets back in session
Aug 11, 2023, 9:00 AM

Jefferson County Public Schools school buses packed with students makes their way through the Detrick Bus Compound on the first day of school Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2023, in Louisville, Ky. Kentucky’s largest school system has cancelled the second and third day of school after a disastrous overhaul of the transportation system that left some children on buses until almost 10 p.m. on opening day. Jefferson County Public Schools Superintendent Marty Pollio calls it a “transportation disaster” in a video posted on social media. (Jeff Faughender/Courier Journal via AP) Credit: ASSOCIATED PRESS
(Jeff Faughender/Courier Journal via AP)
SALT LAKE CITY — Police are urging both drivers and students to practice being careful as school gets back in session. Soon, thousands of students will be walking to-and-from school across Utah, and drivers need to be aware. Casey Warren, Assistant Chief of Police with Riverdale City said it’s up to community members to keep our street safe.
“Our most prized possessions are our children,” he said. “And so it’s very important to have people that are willing to step up in the community.”
That means drivers getting rid of distractions, watching closely for small children and being aware of school zones.
“Pay attention,” he said. “Slow down, be looking for those hazards, those kids that are going to school.”
Warren also recommends parents take a practice walk with their child before school starts. Show them the crosswalks and talk about pedestrian safety.
“You take a walk to school with your kids and go over some of the hazards that might be presented on their path to school,” he explained. “I think that would help greatly in keeping them safe.”
Warren said his police department takes a proactive approach before school starts. They closely monitor school zones, hand out citations, and make sure the community is being aware.