WAYNESBORO, Va --- The WHAS UP program is phase two of the police department's plan to make school zones safe during morning and afternoon commutes.

WHAS UP is short for “Walk Home and to School Using Precautions.” It was the idea of a concerned volunteer at the department who thought the snappy phrase would catch kids' attention.

It is important, as a pedestrian, to know what is going on around you and sometimes kids do not think of that when they are excited to get to school.

Waynesboro Police hope that WHAS UP keeps students paying attention to their surroundings.

“It would be devastating that a kid got hit by a distracted driver,” said Macayla Furry, a volunteer with the Waynesboro Police. “You have to keep the kids safe. Make them aware of their surroundings. Be sure they know where they're going. Be sure they go straight home.”

WHAS UP posters have been given to all the schools in Waynesboro and they will also be placed around the city. Organizers are planning to produce a safety video.

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