Be prepared for a slower commute

Many local students go back to school this week

Just when you thought South Florida roads couldn’t get any more crowded, they’re about to get more crowded.

That’s because school is back in session today in Palm Beach County, Wednesday in Broward County and next Monday in Miami-Dade County.

For parents, that might mean getting up earlier to drop your child off at school or get them to their bus stop.

For everyone else, it might mean leaving home earlier just so you can catch your flight or make it in to work on time.

Commuters can expect traffic gridlock as the school day starts and when it ends as well.

Zones near school bus stops will also require a high dose of patience.

Here are some rules to keep in mind:

Don’t even think about passing a school bus while students are getting on or off. It’s illegal.

Speed demons need to slow down. Speeding fines are doubled in school zones. The speed limit is 20 mph during drop-off and pickup.

Yellow flashing lights are your tip-off that you’re entering a school zone.

Make sure to obey any instructions from police, crossing guards and school safety patrols.

When flashers are blinking in a school zone, be sure to yield to pedestrians making their way across the crosswalk.

If you happen to be driving behind a bus, keep a greater distance than you would if driving behind a car. That way you’ll have more time to stop when the yellow lights start flashing.

If the bus’s yellow or red lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended, traffic must come to a complete stop.

Parents should expect bus delays the first few weeks of school due to traffic congestion around campuses and as students become familiar with their bus drivers.