HONOLULU -- Forty thousand University of Hawaii students are heading back to class Monday, along with several thousand more private school students.

That means that a relatively smooth summer commute is over.

The state Department of Transportation is reminding motorists to plan ahead before hitting the roads.

"I'm a firm believer in the Zipper Lane," said Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona, R-Hawaii. "I use it every day."

Drivers are being urged to take their time and be patient.

"We want people to take the time," Aiona said. "Plan ahead. Find a carpool. Find a vanpool. Look to see if there are bus routes they can jump onto. Be a part of the solution."

This year the state's Freeway Service Patrol will be available for stranded motorists, but state officials cautioned that drivers should not rely on it.

State Department of Transportation officials urged motorists to change their oil, keep their cars in good working order and keep their gas tanks filled to avoid being stranded by breakdowns -- and snarling traffic.

The DOT plans to hold off on road construction projects that require lane closures for about a week.

But it'll be more important than ever to be aware of your surroundings with more children walking to school. Tune into KITV4 Island Television News This Morning for real-time traffic updates starting at 5 a.m.