Tulsa Drivers Urged To 'Think Safety' With Start Of School

Tulsa city and school leaders want students, parents and other drivers to think safety with the start of school at many Tulsa area districts this week and next.

Tulsa officials say 71st and Mingo is one of the city's busiest intersections and it is about to get even busier with classes starting at Tulsa Union High School nearby.  

Around  5,000 vehicles move in and out of high school's parking lots each weekday with most passing through the 71st and Mingo intersection.

Union Public Schools says it's making a few changes this year in effort to make things safer, like having some parking lot exits be "right turn only" and promoting safety messages during the morning announcements. 

The Union is also working with the Tulsa to change the traffic light on Mingo and adding a left turn signal on the traffic signal in front of the school's north parking lot.

Police, safety directors and city leaders offered several back-to-school safety driving tips Thursday morning. 

"Don't be looking at that phone. The good news is all these kids just went thru drivers Ed so they know what they're supposed to be doing, but it's easy they're young they get distracted - no phones, no texting, none of those distractions, focus on what you're doing, pay attention and that's gonna be the best advice," said Tulsa city councilor Anna America.  

Tulsa Police Chief Chuck Jordan also encouraged drivers to pay extra attention to school zone speed limits.  He says most accidents in and around school zones involve speed.