Back to School in New Mexico

August begins the new school year across the school districts in New Mexico. It’s a good time to review safety tips and to highlight the family-friendly SUV, the Dodge Durango.

Drivers will need to be prepared for flashing school zone lights, indicating a 20 mph school zone. Some districts may still have crossing guards, so be on alert for orange vests worn by the guards and the stop signs they carry that indicate vehicles must stop for students to cross.

School buses stop at designated bus stops only to allow students to get on or off the bus. 

As a driver of any motorized vehicle, you must stop for a school bus that has stopped and has flashing red lights, whether it is on your side of the road, the opposite side of the road, or at an intersection that you are approaching.

If the bus is traveling towards you AND the roadway is separated by a median or other physical barrier, you are not required to stop. After the school bus driver has turned off the flashing red lights, watch for children along the roadway. Do not proceed until all children have completely left the roadway and it is safe to move your vehicle.

For space for your kids, their backpacks, sports equipment and other things needed by a busy family, consider the 2022 Dodge Durango. Available 3rd-row seating allows up to 50 configurations and with more than 85 cubic feet of cargo space, there’s plenty of room for all the stuff that life brings.

Three engine options are available, including a best-in-class V8 engine. Durangos can also be used for towing (always follow the owner’s manual recommendations), so the Dodge Durango can also help your family on getaway camping weekends.

For a large selection of Dodge Durangos in New Mexico and across the Southwest, visit Melloy Dodge in Albuquerque or shop online. All Dodge and Ram vehicles can be ordered online and we’ll even deliver. And as school gets started across New Mexico, be a safe and courteous driver on the roads and especially in school zones.