Oklahoma ranks among worst for school zone safety

Tulsa, Okla. (KTUL) — Just getting to school is more dangerous for Oklahoma kids than students in almost every other state, and it doesn't matter whether your child walks, takes the bus or is dropped off.

A new report by Zendrive gives Oklahoma an 'F for school zone safety.

Tulsa County is ranked one of the worst in the state.

"I was a little concerned when I saw this report," said Union Public Schools spokesman, Chris Payne. "People just don't pay attention when they're in our school zones."

Union's 6th and 7th Grade Center is among some of the worse school zones in the state.

"I think it's the location that makes it more dangerous," said Payne. "This is a busy street with 4 lanes, plus we are close to 169."

Zendrive ia a California-based company. They've collected information on speeders who are distracted or aggressive behind the wheel.

The report digs deeper, giving each and every school a letter grade. Of the more than 200 Tulsa schools, most received a "C" or worse.

"There's definitely a problem, we have a lot of distracted driving," said Officer David Poepperling with Tulsa Police's Gilcrease Division. "If you're talking on that phone or driving too fast, and you hit a kid, you're talking two families that are going to be destroyed for the rest of their life."

Traffic crashes are the leading cause of death for school-aged kids and the solution is pretty simple, police say.

"Just pay attention," said Poepperling. "Put down the phone, don't mess with the radio, just pay attention. You have to be alert and look out for those flashing light, especially in the morning and in the afternoon when they're on."

Parents and police are hoping reports like this one will convince drivers to slow down.

There is some good news in all this. Zendrive is offering a $50,000 grant to anyone who writes a proposal of how to improve school zone safety in their area.

You can find out more information here.