Hang up the cell phones, don’t speed, and watch for pedestrians.

Those are the main precautions the Lampasas Police Department urges motorists to take when the 2010- 2011 school year begins Monday. Officers will provide extra enforcement at all Lampasas campuses during the first several days of classes, Police Chief Tim Angermann said.

When passing through school zones during normal school hours, drivers must follow reduced speed limits — 35 miles per hour along U.S. Highway 281 leading to Lampasas High School and 20 mph in other school zones.

“If you’re running late, don’t put the pedal to the metal,” Angermann said.

Drivers also need to watch for bicycle riders and pedestrians, Angermann said. Motorists must yield to pedestrians at crosswalks, as walkers have the right of way, the police chief added.

Officers especially will be enforcing the prohibition of cell phone use by drivers in school zones, as well as laws about seat belt use — particularly for young children, Angermann said.

Except in emergencies, motorists may not use cell phones while driving in school zones. Signs advising drivers of the law are posted in all school zones, Angermann said.

A violation of the cell phone law is a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine not to exceed $200.

The police chief also urged those who transport children to or from campuses to follow schools’ directions for dropping off or picking up students.

“Last year we had one child who was dropped off in a golf course, which was illegal,” Angermann said.

Following traffic safety laws and exercising common sense, the police chief said, will help ensure that the school year begins without problems.

“We want it to be a safe and smooth return back to school,” Angermann said.

He also reminded Lampasans to:

· use booster seats, car seats or safety vests for any passenger younger than 8 and shorter than 4 feet 9 inches.

· buckle all vehicle occupants, regardless of their ages.

· place infants in car seats in the back seat, facing the rear of the vehicle.

· increase following distance when driving behind a school bus.

· stop — no matter which direction one is traveling — when on a road with a school bus that has its stop signs extended.