With the beginning of a new school year only days away, the Lampasas Police Department is urging motorists, bicyclists and walkers to be extra cautious so the 2008-09 term can get off to a good start.

Traffic congestion will play a part in the morning commute, and LPD Assistant Chief Sammy Bailey reminded the public that police will be out in full force.

The Police Department will have its traffic radar trailer set up in school zones around the city, and officers will be issuing citations to those persons speeding in school zones or committing other traffic violations, said Ms. Bailey.

"We encourage everyone to follow the designated school routes and pay attention to reduced speeds in school zones," she said. "We need to be sure our kids are getting to school safely each day."

Youngsters are encouraged to use crosswalks and pay attention to traffic.

Ms. Bailey also urged children who ride bicycles to school to pay attention to traffic laws. "While kids are out on the road just like vehicles, they should follow the rules of the road and watch trafficcontrol devices like vehicles do, including stop signs and red lights."

Traffic is heavier at the beginning of the school year, as a number of parents drive their children to school the first few days.

"It's a good idea to leave a little earlier in the morning and not to be rushed," said the assistant chief. "Give yourself a little extra time to get to school and work."

Watch out for children, she added. They may dart in and out of traffic, or cross in front of cars while hurrying to school.

Ms. Bailey also encouraged parents to stop for school bus loading and unloading.

"The Sheriff's Department keeps an extra-close eye on highways during the school year, just as we do in the city," she said.

It is illegal to pass a school bus with its red lights flashing when it is receiving or discharging students. An offense is a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of $200 to $1,000.

Ms. Bailey gave the following suggestions for school safety.

• Be cautious when backing out of a driveway or leaving a garage.

• Be sure drivers and passengers are buckled in seat belts. The Police Department has a zero tolerance policy for children not properly restrained.

• Watch traffic lights. The Police Department is cracking down on motorists who disregard red lights.

• Be sure bicycle riders wear helmets and do not carry anything in their hands. Use a bike rack or basket to store items.

• Bicycle riders and walkers should be alert and not assume they can be seen easily by drivers. Make eye contact with them.

• Drivers should observe the flashing lights and lower speed limits in school zones.

• Drivers must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks.

• Parents should consider going with a child ahead of time to map out a safe route for walking or bicycling.

Motorists should slow down and always be prepared to stop. "Watch out for youngsters who may be thinking about getting to school but not thinking about getting there safely," Ms. Bailey said.

Children can be difficult for drivers to see -- especially around obstructions like parked or moving cars, buses and bushes. They also have difficulty judging a car's speed and distance, and they may believe a car can stop instantly.

Said Ms. Bailey: "They often think that if they can see the driver, the driver can see them."

Motorists should observe crosswalks and pay attention to children attempting to cross, she said.

Children should be taught to look left, right and left again before crossing the street. They should walk facing traffic so they can see what's coming, and they need to follow traffic signals carefully.

Ms. Bailey noted special concerns in the area of Hanna Springs Intermediate School. Drivers on Campbell Street need to be aware the area is a no-passing zone. The potential exists for a head-on collision if a person passes cars waiting in line to turn right onto East Avenue F to drop off or pick up children from the school, she said.

"If there is a line of cars formed, drivers must remain in the line and either turn with the flow of traffic or go straight. Passing cars in that area could cause an accident and may result in the driver being ticketed."

The assistant chief also shared these suggestions to make school zones safer:

• Don't speed.

• Don't impede traffic by dropping off children in the middle of the street.

• Don't double park.

• Don't block intersections or driveways with your vehicle.

• Don't make U-turns.

In addition, Ms. Bailey encouraged parents to be sure their children have adequate supervision when they arrive home after school. "While this may be difficult for some, any form of organized activity or the immediate availability of a trusted adult can provide the necessary guidance to help ensure your child's safety and also give you peace of mind."

Said the veteran law officer: "We would like this school year to start as safely as the previous ones. We encourage everyone to be alert and to watch for children who will soon be out in full force. We just want everyone to get to school with the least amount of traffic hazards."