IRVING, Texas - With more than 30,000 students returning to classrooms on Aug. 11, the City of Irving is reminding motorists to use extra caution as traffic increases around schools throughout the community.
Irving ISD serves more than 30,000 students across 34 educational facilities, bringing thousands of additional vehicles, school buses and pedestrians to city streets each weekday.
City officials are urging drivers to expect heavier traffic around campuses, crosswalks and designated school zones, where reduced speed limits are in effect to help protect children traveling to and from school.
Motorists are encouraged to obey posted school zone speed limits, remain alert for crossing guards and watch carefully for children who may unexpectedly enter the roadway.
Parents are also asked to use designated drop-off and pick-up areas while following each school's established traffic patterns to help improve traffic flow and reduce the risk of crashes.
Officials also reminded drivers that it is illegal to pass a stopped school bus when its red warning lights are flashing and its stop arm is extended. Those laws are designed to protect students as they board and exit buses.
The city said slowing down, staying alert and following traffic laws can help ensure every student arrives safely at school and returns home each day.
