Fire Department Reminds Drivers to Slow Down in School Zones

If you see flashing lights and fire trucks near your child's school, don't panic. It's all part of a program provided by the that aims to remind drivers, as the school year starts, to slow down when driving in school zones.

Firefighter Steve Hanneman started the program in 2011 after hearing about a similar program in Texas.

"I took a training class with a fire chief from Texas who's department ran a similar program, I thought it sounded like a great idea so the department discussed it and we implemented it in 2011," Hanneman said.

And the response has been positive.

"We had great feedback the first year," Hanneman said. "We had several parents email us or call us to let us know how much they appreciated us being out there. I have kids that go to school in the district (Huron Valley) and I think it's important to remind drivers that school is back in session."

Hanneman and his group of firefighters were out there Tuesday morning, stopping at every elementary school located in White Lake. The trucks parked near the schools, with flashing lights, and large signs telling drivers to "Be safe school is back in session."

"The response this morning has been great," Hanneman said as he stood near the truck helping to direct school traffic and waving at kids and parents as they entered the parking lot at on Elizabeth Lake Road in White Lake. "It's been really nice to see the effect it's had. You can watch, as drivers see the trucks they immediately slow down."

The department will be out there again on Wednesday, and have plans to continue the program each year as resources allow.