On Monday, Harlingen public schools begin the 2022-23 school year. As a result, motorists and pedestrians should expect congestion and heavy traffic near school zones for the next few days.

All drivers and pedestrians should be aware of the hazards of distracted driving. To help avoid a senseless tragedy, here are some tips for those traveling through school zones:

• After several months of summer vacation, drivers should refamiliarize themselves with the reduced speed limits near school zones on their morning and afternoon commute.

• Students, drivers, and pedestrians should avoid distractions (e.g., using cell phones) while traveling in school zones and near crosswalks.

• Drivers should be alert for distracted students while traveling through school parking lots.

• Students and other pedestrians should never assume that a driver will stop before crossing a roadway—even if the pedestrian is at a crosswalk or has the right-of-way.

• In Texas, drivers must stop for a school bus with flashing lights or an extended stop sign while students get into or out of the bus. Drivers may not pass the bus until it resumes motion, the bus driver signals the driver to move, or the bus turns off its flashing lights.

My staff and I hope all Harlingen and Rio Grande Valley students and teachers have a successful and productive year. 

-RDJ