Think about leaving earlier or later today to miss the bumper-to-bumper tango as 58,000 college and private school students start classes.

Officials are urging motorists to car-pool, walk or even change their schedules to avoid the annual back-to-school traffic jam.

State transportation officials have been trying to get the word out, warning motorists with a media blitz, and have postponed roadwork and lane closures during the day in busy areas from today to Sept. 3.

More than 40,000 students go back to school today at the University of Hawai'i, including UH-Manoa, UH-West O'ahu, Honolulu Community College, Kap'iolani Community College, Leeward Community College and Windward Community College. On Wednesday, more than 3,000 students at 'Iolani and Maryknoll School report back, and Thursday more than 3,500 students will start at Punahou School.

There are solutions out there, transportation officials say.