With a new school year just around the corner, more teenage drivers will be on roads as they travel to and from school. That calls for those drivers and older, more experienced drivers to be alert in an effort to reduce the number of automobile collisions involving teenage drivers.

But the beginning of a new school year should not be the only time teenage drivers, and other motorists, should be alert while on their ways to school and from school. Back in April, at the beginning of prom season, the North Carolina State Highway Patrol began the Drive to Live 2016 campaign designed to reduce collisions and death of teenage drivers. Expect more from the Highway Patrol when the new school year begins — expect more troopers patrolling area roads.

These troopers will be pay close attention to traffic near and at schools. All motorists, not just the troopers, should be attentive to traffic near and at schools.

During the school year, it’s clearly evident morning and afternoon rush hours are the busiest times for teenage drivers traveling to and from school and school-related events. North Carolina has nearly 80,000 miles of roadways, second only to Texas, according to the N.C. Department of Public Safety. Teenage drivers lack the experience of seasoned drivers and are more likely to be distracted while operating a motor vehicle, according to research. Given that information, it is not surprising that traffic collisions continue to be the leading cause of teenage deaths in North Carolina.

Later this month, expect troopers to patrol school zones and routes frequented by commuting students. Forceful enforcement of traffic laws will target speeders, reckless driving, noncompliance with seat-belt laws and distracted drivers using cellphones, smartphones or other mobile devices.

If you want straight talk about the consequences of unsafe driving near schools, just ask Highway Patrol troopers. They’ve got plenty of horror stories with deadly endings.