Now that the school year has wrapped up for Greene County that means more kids will be outside at all hours of the day.

Jefferson Police Chief Mark Clouse reminds motorists to be aware of more kids playing outside, riding bicycles, skateboarding, or roller skating around town. He especially wants motorists to be mindful when driving through neighborhoods when there are children present outside.

“Obviously speed is a big issue in any kind of accident. But just that little few extra miles per hour can be the difference of getting your vehicle stopped or not, when somebody does dart out in front of you, unfortunately. Just need to be extra vigilant.” 

When it comes to kids on bikes, Chief Clouse has this reminder.

“They have to obey every traffic thing just like a car. They have to stop (at a stop sign), yield the right of way, all of those things. It’s not a free pass just because you are pedaling.”  

Clouse advises parents to help their children understand the different traffic laws that they must follow if they are going to use a bike, as well as consider wearing a helmet.