The commute for many drivers might look a little different as school zones return. 

The Reno Police Department is preparing for students to be back along sidewalks, roads, and riding on bikes by getting ready to patrol these areas, along with other local public safety forces. 

"So the Reno Police Department does plan on working with our local other agencies," said Lara Ryzanych with the Reno Police Department. "And we will be doing traffic enforcement in those school zones. So, you will see an increased presence of officers, not just from Reno, but you'll have all the local agencies out there, and we're going to be enforcing those school zone violations."

They want parents to play an important role by giving themselves extra time when bringing kids to school and slowing down in those school zones. 

In addition to slowing down and being aware, police tell us that drivers need to be aware of school busses when out driving.

"When those school busses have flashing lights in their stop signs out, you are required to stop," said Ryzanych. "You cannot go around them. You have to yield to that stop sign like it's just a normal stop sign."

Drivers need to be wary of these zones, as even outside of school hours there can still be kids in the area. 

The police also had a message for the kids of the community. If travelling on a bike or scooter be aware of cars around you, and always make sure to have a helmet on. 

As school gets underway it is important for everyone within our communities to play a role to ensure safety and avoid tragedy.