MISHAWAKA, Ind. -- With the safety of local school kids in mind, the Mishawaka Fire Department is sharing safety tips for those who walk to school in the early morning hours when the sun might not be fully up. 

"As we enter the darker fall and winter months, we are focusing on raising awareness in our community about the importance of keeping our children safe during their morning commutes to school," Assistant Chief of the Mishawaka Fire Department Joshua Jester said.

Low-light conditions create different hazards for drivers, and kids may not always be paying full attention to the traffic around them. 

"One key recommendation is for children to wear some type of illumination device, such as a blinking light or reflective accessory, to ensure that drivers and others can easily see them in the early hours," Jester said. "This small step can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and help parents and guardians feel more secure about their children’s safety."

Captain Derron Hess will be the MFD lead on this initiative with the goal of emphasizing the importance of visibility and practical safety solutions, so parents and students alike feel prepared and protected as they head out each morning.