As winter comes to a close and we welcome spring, we are reminded that spring is a great time in our parish — a new baseball season begins, spring break is approaching, crawfish boils are planned, swimming pools are put back in service and graduation draws near for our students. We enjoy celebrating these good times in our community.

I want to remind everyone that with the warmer weather, children may be playing near our parish roads. Please take extra caution and slow down when driving through residential areas. Remember that children learn by watching us. Anytime you are behind the wheel, please model good driving habits, including:

• Wear your seat belt.
• Obey the speed limit.
• Slow near schools and neighborhoods and keep a watchful eye for children playing and other vehicles entering or exiting driveways.
• Do not text or check social media while driving.
• Make sure children are in the correct car seat.

For many more driving safety tips, please visit the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration at: www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety.

Thank you for helping to keep our roads and our citizens safe. We look forward to the great times that spring will bring!

Randy Seal is the sheriff for Washington Parish.