Tulsa Police Remind Drivers, Parents Of Back-To-School Safety

It's a big day across Green Country, as several area schools are headed back to classrooms. Union and Jenks are the biggest districts that go back Monday.

Union is the second largest metro school district in Tulsa. Kids are going to be everywhere, so be careful driving in the morning and afternoon.

Tulsa police say the most important things for drivers to keep in mind as kids head back to school are: put down that cell phone when you're driving, and slow down.

Drivers face a mandatory court appearance if you're caught speeding in a school zone, so drive carefully out there, stop for school buses, and watch for kids at the cross walks.

Police also had tips for parents in talking to children about school safety:

• If your children will be walking to school, walk the route with them beforehand. Choose the most direct way, and be sure the route has sufficient sidewalks, lighting and crossing guards.
  
• Absent a crossing guard, be sure your child knows when it is safe to cross the street. 
• Make sure your child walks to and from school with other trusted schoolmates and follows the tried and true axiom, "Never talk to strangers."
• Teach your kids to obey all traffic signals when walking or biking to school. 
• When biking, be sure your child has a helmet and appropriate safety pads. 
• When waiting for the school bus, always stand on the curb away from the roadway. Always remain seated while on the bus.
• Be sure your child knows a phone number where you can be reached in case of an emergency.