Most of the projects will target children who walk, cycle or are driven to school. "Many of these kids will go to school for the first time, so they are not yet aware of all the dangers that traffic can pose. They will be joined by older pupils who are going back to school. These kids are returning to school from their holidays and they are in a playful mood. Therefore, they are not careful on the roads," Matjaž Leskovar from the Traffic Police Department said.

Police urge drivers to be mindful of children walking near kindergartens, schools and playgrounds. Police will also step up traffic enforcement in school zones. According to Leskovar, their activities will be divided into three phases: activities before the start of the new school year, at the start of the school year, and during the school year.

The condition of traffic signs around schools will also be inspected. In collaboration with school boards, law enforcement officers will develop a "safe route to school" program. Other institution will also participate in these and similar initiatives.

High-visibility clothing and a yellow neckerchief
Police will target aggressive driving in school zones during the hours when children walk to or from school. They will monitor traffic behavior and check whether bikes and motorbikes are roadworthy, whether kids wear high-visibility clothing, whether first and second graders wear yellow neckerchiefs and whether cyclists wear helmets.

Police officers will also check whether cars that take children to schools are roadworthy and whether all passengers use safety belts and safety seats. Moreover, police will be running road safety workshops for children and similar workshops for parents of first year pupils.

During the new school year, police officers will check buses that take children on field trips and monitor bus drivers. Authorities also advise parents to teach kids road safety skills. They stress that first graders and kindergarten kids walking to school need to be accompanied by an adult, unless they walk in low-traffic or pedestrian zones.

G. K. ; translated by D. V.