In conjunction with the start of a new school year Aug. 25, Howard County Police plan to crack down on drivers who speed, fail to stop for school buses or break other traffic laws in school zones.

Through a program called H.A.S.T.E., which stands for Helping Arriving Students Through Enforcement, police hope to raise awareness of traffic safety around schools. Police will be stationed at elementary, middle and high schools for the first two weeks of the school year, according to a news release from the police department.

In addition to ticketing speeders, officers in unmarked cars will follow some school buses to make sure drivers stop when a bus turns on its red flashing lights, according to the release. Failing to stop for a school bus carries a $570 fine.

Officers also will be checking cars to make sure children are placed properly in safety seats or are wearing seat belts, according to police.

As in the past, students applying for school parking permits will have to attend a police-run traffic safety seminar with their parents. Other traffic safety programs aimed at students are planned throughout the school year.

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