KRMG TRAFFIC ALERT: First day of school in Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Sapulpa

Drivers in Tulsa, Broken Arrow and Sapulpa will notice a marked increase in traffic Thursday morning, both on the roads and on the sidewalks.

School has begun for the 2013-2014 academic year in those cities, and police warn drivers to slow down and give themselves extra time.

Officers will enforce speed limits in school zones, which can lead to hefty fines if violated.

They will also watch for people ignoring the warning lights on school buses, a dangerous practice that leads to injuries and sometimes fatalaties every year.

The Tulsa Police Department has offered some advice on safety for students:

• If your children will be walking to school, walk the route with them beforehand. Choose the most direct way, and be sure the route has sufficient sidewalks, lighting and crossing guards.

• Absent a crossing guard, be sure your child knows when it is safe to cross the street.

• Make sure your child walks to and from school with other trusted schoolmates and follows the tried and true axiom, "Never talk to strangers."

• Teach your kids to obey all traffic signals when walking or biking to school.

• When biking, be sure your child has a helmet and appropriate safety pads.

• When waiting for the school bus, always stand on the curb away from the roadway. Always remain seated while on the bus.

• Be sure your child knows a phone number where you can be reached in case of an emergency.