Glasgow police chief shares safety tips for new school year

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – Back-to-school season is here, and the whole of Barren County will have a little lifestyle change in the coming days.

News 40 spoke to major Terry Flatt, who serves as the Public Information Officer for the Glasgow Police Department, about staying safe during commuting hours. He gave us some tips per a media release from GPD.

Walkers

• Walk on the sidewalk; if there is no sidewalk and you must walk in the street, walk facing traffic
•  Before crossing the street, stop and look left, right and left again to see if cars are coming
• Never dart out in front of a parked car
•  Parents: Practice walking to school with your child, crossing streets at crosswalks when available
• Never walk while texting or talking on the phone
• Do not walk while using headphones

Bus Riders

• Teach children the proper way to get on and off the bus
•  Line up 6 feet away from the curb as the bus approaches
• If seat belts are available, buckle up
• Wait for the bus to stop completely before standing
• Do not cross in front of the bus if possible, or walk at least 10 feet ahead until you can see the other drivers

Drivers, Share the Road

• Don’t block crosswalks
•  Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, and take extra care in school zones
• Never pass a vehicle stopped for pedestrians
• Never pass a bus loading or unloading children
• The area 10 feet around a school bus is the most dangerous for children; stop far enough back to allow them to safely enter and exit the bus.

Flatt said there will be extra police presence to make sure school zones stay as safe as possible but to always bolster your patience as early morning and early afternoon can be congested.