Pocatello police team up with Subway to encourage kids to follow safety procedures

Tuesday morning the intersection Hiline and El Rancho was filled with Pocatello police officers.

And they were handing out Subway gift cards to kids on their way to school.

Police said the intersection of Hiline, Pearl and El Rancho roads is one of the busiest. Officers said there’s no crossing guard and often, kids cross the road anywhere they want rather than the crosswalk.

Police said they have had a few problems with kids walking up along the canal and then crossing the street right over to Syringa Elementary. Police said this is extra dangerous because of the curve in the road and drivers cannot see the kids as they come around it.

So officers felt it was a good spot to remind kids that when it comes to safety, crosswalks are a must.

Tuesday morning, officers teamed up with Subway to reward kids who used the crosswalk. Officers shook their hands and gave them a $5 gift card.

Subway said it’s not only to encourage kids to follow safety procedures, but also to have a positive interaction with officers.

“It’s part of our community involvement,” said Scott Sprague, franchise owner for Pocatello Subways. “Most of the franchises are individually owned and operated and we’re involved in the communities we do business, and this is one way we can do that.”

“I think it’s an awesome opportunity for us and Subway,” said Officer Orlando Cardenas with Pocatello police. “It shows that we’re out here to help the kids and support them and the public can see us helping out the kids.”

“They get to see Subman, they get a card, they get a bracelet and it just puts a smile on their face,” Sprague said.

This is the third year Subway has done the Playin’ Safe program, but it’s the first time they’ve done crosswalk safety. Previous years have focused on things like safely riding bikes or skateboards.

Subway will be teaming up with Idaho Falls police to do the same thing Wednesday.