Watch where you're driving …

The air is crisp and the peal of school bells is once again piercing the morning air.

That's right, summer is quickly drawing to a close and classes are now under way for children living in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley.

For those of us making our way to work in the morning, that means it's time to ease that foot off the accelerator a bit, enjoy the changing colors of the trees, and keep your eyes peeled for young children headed for bus stops, darting into the roadways or heedlessly horsing around with their friends.

Unpredictability reigns in school-aged children, and being party to the death or injury of a child because of even a moment of inattentiveness behind the wheel would be a devastating tragedy.

If you're the parent of school-aged children, prepare for the darkening days of autumn and winter by putting reflective tape on their clothing and belongings, teaching children to walk on the side of the road that faces traffic and to stay off the roadway itself as much as possible. If crossing a street is necessary, tell children to stop at the curb and look left, right and left again and ensure approaching drivers see them before they step onto the road.

Parents should also tell children not to engage in horseplay near the road while waiting for the bus, and pass along the following National Safety Council tips about safety on the school bus -- because each year many youngsters are injured and several are killed in school-bus incidents:

Line up away from the street or road as the school bus approaches. Wait until the bus has stopped and the door opens before stepping onto the roadway. Use the hand rail when stepping onto the bus.

When on the bus, find a seat and sit down. Never put head, arms or hands out of the window.

Keep aisles clear -- books or bags are tripping hazards and can block the way in an emergency.

At your stop, wait for the bus to stop completely before getting up from your seat. Then, walk to the front door and exit, using the hand rail.

If you have to cross the street in front of the bus, walk at least 10 feet ahead of the bus along the side of the road, until you can turn around and see the driver. Make sure the driver can see you. Wait for a signal from the driver before beginning to cross.

Do not cross the center line of the road until the driver has signaled that it is safe for you to begin walking.

Stay away from the bus' rear wheels at all times.

Let's help make this school year an accident-free one for our children.