Slow down! Kids are back to school!

Thanks to Captain Steve Eckstein of the Marble Falls police department for offering us some tips on how to get back to school safely.

Students in Marble Falls and Llano independent school districts start school Mon., Aug. 26, while Burnet Consolidated Independent School District students return Tues., Aug. 27.

With the school year starting, residents can expect higher traffic, especially in areas near campuses. Drivers should be aware of flashing yellow lights or reduced speeds near schools during pick-up and drop-off times.

Eckstein recommends leaving home a little early to accommodate for the extra traffic and for people getting used to new schedules. Also, there are new drivers on the road as some of the 16 year olds start taking themselves and possibly their siblings to school.

Here are a few other reminders he left us with:

• Not ALL school zones have flashing lights. Watch for the signs without lights as well.

• Watch for school buses. Flashing yellow lights means be prepared to stop. When the red lights are flashing, all cars must stop while the bus loads and unloads, including oncoming traffic.

• No cell phone usage in school zones! It’s the law and officers will ticket offenders.

• Be kind to your fellow drivers. This is no time for road rage.