Broken Arrow firefighters encourage drivers to slow down as school starts

First responders are sending a message to drivers to slow down in school zones, as kids across Green Country head back to class.

The Broken Arrow Fire Department is using its trucks to get drivers' attention.

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Firefighters Greeting Pre-K Students 

Broken Arrow firefighters spent part of their week encouraging drivers to slow down at both the Union and Broken Arrow public school districts.

Friday was a big day for the students at Aspen Creek Elementary. And there was a big truck there to greet them.

"Spreading a little bit of joy and supporting them on their big day,” Broken Arrow Firefighter Ben Adams said.

Adams said drivers near the school are already used to slowing down for construction on West Florence Street, which has been going on all summer. But firefighters hope their truck, with its flashing lights and the message, "School is in, drive safely!" gets the attention of drivers.

"We try to bring awareness to where those school zones are,” he said. “And so having our lights on and everything, it kind of slows them down a bit because most people just aren't aware that school starts. It kind of came out of nowhere. Summer feels shorter every year."

Parents Grateful for the Effort

"Today is my boy's first day of Pre-K. We're so pumped to have Ms. Myer,” Courtnay Lee said.

She dropped off her son, Theo. She said she is thankful the kids get a moment to visit with firefighters, and for the visual reminder to slow down.

"I have a hard time when I'm always in rush from place to place, to remind myself: five more minutes doesn't matter that much. So I'm so thankful that we're reminding everybody to slow down a little bit, including me."

"People drive too fast on most of our roads anyways, and so these school zones are kind of sacred and they should stay that way,” Adams said.

Students across both Union and Broken Arrow school districts will see these firefighters again next week, when fire drills begin.