As thousands of Austin-area students return to school Aug. 22-23, local districts and jurisdictions are preparing and reminding residents to take extra precaution.

Austin ISD students return to school Aug. 22, and Round Rock ISD students head back Aug. 23, according to school calendars.

On Aug. 17-19, city of Austin staffers in the Transportation Department are testing school zone signals for any issues. Drivers can expect to see testing occur during regular school zone hours from 6:45-8 a.m. and 2:30-3:30 p.m.

The city tests school zone signals to ensure students have a safe environment for walking and biking to and from school, according to a news release.

Austin ISD announced Aug. 17 it has a new app to inform families of their bus’s arrival time. About 22,000 of the districts 83,000 students ride the bus to and from school.

In Round Rock ISD, parents can use an online application to find their child’s bus route. Visit the district's bus routes web page for more information and to find information on keeping students safe when taking the bus.

Austin school zone stats
• 7 school districts
• 154 school campuses
• 576 school zone signals
• 20 mph is the speed limit in school zones when lights are flashing

Student safety tips from Austin ISD
• Students should always remain in direct view of the bus driver.
• Students should arrive at the bus stop at least five minutes prior to the scheduled arrival time.
• Take 10 steps away from the curb while waiting for the bus and 10 steps away from the curb when exiting the bus.
• Students should never try to reboard the bus without the driver's permission to retrieve an item after exiting.
• Students should never reach underneath the bus.
• Students should always follow the driver’s directions for how to cross the street.
• When crossing a street, students should always cross in front of the bus after the bus driver signals it is safe. Look both ways for any traffic.