School Leaders Urge Caution For Drivers In School Zones

Many students across Green Country head back to the classroom this week.

That means it's time for drivers to hit the brakes when passing through school zones.

As kids walk across the street and buses drop off students, drivers should be aware of school zones in the mornings and afternoons.

Tulsa Public Schools students are back in the classroom on Thursday, but several area schools are already in session.

You'll start to see school zone signs flashing, a reminder to slow down to 25 miles per hour.

Plus, at intersections outside schools, you'll see crosswalks where kids cross the street.

TPS Facilities Director Sue Ann Bell says thanks to the City of Tulsa, the crosswalks are marked with reflective paint and there are new yellow signs.

She says kids riding the bus also need to be careful.

"The driver can't always see around the bus, so kids need to be very cautious when they're approaching the bus or getting off of the bus and making sure that driver knows where they're at all times,” Bell said.

Bell says that goes for drivers too.

She says if you're behind or near a bus on the street, stop when you see the stop sign since that means kids are around.

Bell says school zones are activated 30 minutes before school starts and 30 minutes after.

“The safety of our kids is everyone's responsibility. And so how we get our kids to and from school safely is just the top of mind for everyone, so we need the community to think about that,” Bell said.

A reminder school leaders hope will carry throughout the school year.