Parents Say Cherokee Elementary School Zone Is Turning Into Speed Zone

By Ashli Sims, The News On 6

TULSA, OK -- Some Green Country parents are seeing red because they say some drivers aren't abiding by the flashing yellow lights. They say the Cherokee Elementary school zone at 60th Street North & Peoria is turning into a speed zone and someone is going to get hurt.

In one instance, it was about 2:30 p.m. on a rainy, school day. The school zone lights were flashing. The cross walk near Cherokee Elementary is clearly marked and the guard was on duty. And yet, cars were whipping through the school zone, seemingly oblivious to the small children gathering nearby.

"I mean this is a highway," said Teresa Davis, a crossing guard.

Teresa Davis has guarded the crosswalk at 60th Street North & Peoria for two decades. She says she has never seen it this bad.

"I almost get hit at least three or four times a week, at least. I mean getting that close to me, to hit me," said Teresa Davis.

And if they're getting that close to her, they're getting dangerously close to children as young as four.

Eddie Garrett says the school zone speeding has gotten so bad he's there every day yelling at drivers to slow down.

"It's a real hazard. These people are really speeding through here at all times and running this light whenever she presses it. It's a danger for her and a danger for them," said Eddie Garrett, a concerned Cherokee Elementary parent.

Christina Meador says she crosses the street to walk with her daughter. She's not only scared for the kids, but the crossing guard who escorted her to school years ago.

"She takes her risk everyday crossing these kids," said Christina Meador, a concerned parent. "They need to learn how to slow down or they're going to end up hitting a kid."

"Someone's gonna get hurt and I just don't wanna see it. I don't want it to be one of my kids or somebody else's kids," said Eddie Garrett.

The crossing guard says it's the little faces of the children that should come to mind when you think about gunning the gas.

"Please slow down in all school zones, ya'know these are little children. Once you hit them, you can't say sorry," said Teresa Davis.

A News On 6 crew saw one driver run the red light while shooting this story. The News On 6 talked with the Tulsa County Sheriff's Office and they say deputies are assigned to all county school zones for both mornings and afternoons. And just because you don't see a patrol car, doesn't mean they aren't there. Deputies are keeping an eye on speeders from unmarked cars.