OKC Police Remind Drivers To Be Aware Of School Zones As School Starts

Xin Xin Liu, News9.com

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Oklahoma County Sheriff John Whetsel, AAA Oklahoma, and Oklahoma City Public Schools held a news conference on Monday to remind people that school starts August 1 in Oklahoma City.

According to Oklahoma County Sheriff's Office, the district is starting a year round school schedule so classes are starting earlier. They want to remind people to start making a mental note to be aware of school zones.

In Oklahoma, speeding through a school zone can cost you a $256 ticket plus court costs. Students will also be out and about walking to school so drivers will need to be aware to avoid any automobile-pedestrian crashes.

AAA Oklahoma offers some back to school driving safety tips for drivers:

* Ditch distractions. Research shows that taking your eyes off the road for just two seconds doubles your chances of crashing

*Stay alert. Don't rush into and out of driveways. Anticipate that you will encounter pedestrians on sidewalks, around schools, and in neighborhoods.

*Stop at stop signs.

*Watch for bikes.

*Brake for buses.

07/25/2011 Related Story: OKC Schools Begin Continuous Calendar In One Week.