HONOLULU -- It's about to get very busy on Hawaii roads and that will mean delays for drivers.

In August, 60,000 college and private school students head back to class and that means more cars on the road and much more traffic.

Those who think traffic is bad now will see much worse before the summer is over.

"With this rush, this crush, there is going to be frustration but there are ways to avoid that," acting Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell said.

To keep traffic flowing as freely as possible, the city will be optimizing traffic lights during the morning commute so drivers won't just creep a few feet before getting stuck at the next light.

"What you're looking at here is more efficient flow. One of the things that frustrates people is when they are trying to get through an area and it takes an inordinate amount to travel a short distance. It really frustrates people," said Wayne Yoshioka, with the Honolulu Department of Transportation.

While there will be more cars on the road during the back to school rush, expect to see roadwork as well, construction will continue during this time, but better planning of projects will keep them from disturbing the morning drive.

"We watch, when and where we allow closures to occur so we don't conflict with the peak rush hours that occur with the schools," Yoshioka said.

Drivers can also take steps to keep the traffic moving during the morning rush:

• Keep up the maintenance on your car to prevent stalls and break downs
• Plan your commute: Plan to leave earlier or later to avoid the peak traffic periods
• Carpool, bike or bus: Use a carpool, ride the bus or bike to work to get more cars off the road

In year's past, one way to reduce the number of cars on the road has been to vanpool, but because this program is now so popular, new vans are hard to come by.

"We've run out of money for vehicles. We do have some vehicles so if you are interested give us a call," said Vicki Harris, with Vanpool Hawaii.

Cutting down on the cars on the roads may be an individual effort, but when it comes to the back to school jam, drivers all in it together.

The bulk of the back to school rush will take place in two weeks when about 40,000 students from UH Manoa and the four community colleges return to class.