“Big Wheels, Little Kids”© Programs conducted
in Bowling Green Kentucky on Ol’ Blue, USA’s “Safety Tour 2005”

Hello Alvaton Elementary students!
Is that large, ‘Ol’ Blue’®, truck-tractor always parked on the school’s parking lot?
How’d that big thing get there?
The response was: “RJ brought it.”

That is how each “Big Wheels, Little Kids” program conducted at Alvaton Elementary School in Bowling Green Kentucky on Monday, March 21, 2005, began. Ol’ Blue, USA and RJ Taylor were fondly remembered from a previous school visit, and the educational project was eagerly welcomed.

The entire school population (nearly 500 students) was excited to attend one of three “Big Wheels, Little Kids” programs conducted during the morning hours. The school’s principal, Mark Rathbun, assisted at each program.

Since law enforcement involvement with the program is crucial, Sgt. Bruce Patterson, Kentucky Vehicle Enforcement, and Deputy Mike Hatler, Warren County Sheriff’s Department, were on hand to help with the demonstrations. So was Beverly Steele, a member of the Ol’ Blue team. There was surprise visit by Sgt. Tim Meyer, Warren County Sheriff’s Department, which was very much appreciated.

“Big Wheels, Little Kids” programs are highly successful in promoting safety around large vehicles, as well as advancing better driving behaviors on our roadways and enhanced communication between law enforcement and drivers.

Utilizing students, staff and law enforcement, large vehicle blind spots and stopping distance requirements are explained and demonstrated to program attendees. Inappropriate driving practices seen on roadways are described and suggestions are made for safer traveling.

School buses, motor homes and travel trailers are identified as other types of large vehicles requiring larger side mirrors and having similar stopping requirements and blind spots.

Under the Ol’ Blue, USA program, “Big Wheels, Little Kids” school visitation program takes ‘Ol’ Blue’ to schools to give students an up close and personal view of the safety considerations around large vehicles, car drivers, bicycles, and pedestrians.