Lighthorse Police and Okmulgee Police work together to protect the community as school resumes

OKMULKE, Oklv. – As schools resume classes this week, various agencies from all across Oklahoma have been on the lookout to protect children as they return to class, whether it is by monitoring school zones for speeders or by managing traffic flow around schools. In order to protect children and other members of the community during back-to-school season, the Muscogee Nation’s Lighthorse Police have been working in collaboration with the Okmulgee Police Department to monitor school zones to make the community a safer place during this time. 

This partnership was highlighted in a joint statement released by the Lighthorse Police Department in collaboration with the Okmulgee Police Department on Facebook on the night of Aug. 21. In the statement, the two agencies reaffirmed their recent partnership with one another in their work to keep Okmulgee safe. Lighthorse Police provided a number of tips for people to stay safe during the first days of school.

“1. Slow down – Even if there aren’t signs, you should drive no faster than 25 mph. This gives you more time to react if a pedestrian is on the road.

1. Watch for children – Children may not always be careful, especially when walking or biking to school. Be extra vigilant, especially near schools.
2. Yield to pedestrians – Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and intersections. Don’t honk or rev your engine to scare them, even if you have the right of way.
3. Stop for school buses – Drivers in all directions must stop when a school bus has its red lights flashing. Not stopping for a school bus is dangerous and can result in a large fine. You should also watch for children crossing the road after they get off the bus.
4. Obey traffic officers – Traffic officers and crossing guards can override traffic signs and signals to keep students and parents safe. You should always stop for a crossing guard who is holding up a stop sign.
5. Don’t block crosswalks – If you block a crosswalk, pedestrians will have to go around your car, which could put them in the path of other traffic.
6. Don’t double park – Double parking makes it difficult for other drivers to see and can lead to accidents.
7. Drop off children in designated areas – Don’t drop off children across the street from the school.”

For emergencies, contact Lighthorse Police at 918-732-7800. To keep up to date with Lighthorse news and events, visit their Facebook page, Muscogee Nation Lighthorse Police Department.