MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- As summer vacations come to an end, so begins another school year. With all the excitement and activities, safety may not be what comes to mind. Whether youth ride the bus, walk, ride their bikes or travel by car, let's teach children a few tips to aid in their safety. 

Don't forget the parents who provide transportation to and from school, extra-curricular activities and the college-bound students. Let's start this school year off safely by following a few simple tips: 

Tips for School Bus Riders
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 24 million students start their school day on the school bus.
-- Line up facing the bus, not along side it.
-- Do not play in the street while waiting for the bus.
-- Carry all loose belongings in a bag or backpack.
-- Never reach under the school bus to get anything that has rolled or fallen beneath it. The bus driver may be sitting too high up to see you.
-- After getting off the bus, move immediately onto the sidewalk and out of traffic. If there is no sidewalk, try to stay as far to the side of the road as possible.
-- Wait for a signal from the bus driver before crossing the street. Walk at least 10 steps away from the front of the bus so the driver can see you.
-- Never cross the street or play behind the school bus.
Streets and parking lots are equally dangerous, especially when cars and trucks are parked close together. Little ones often sprint between these vehicles offering zero response time for drivers to react. This is especially true by the Loy School Gate. 

Tips for pedestrians or bike riders
-- Never walk alone -- always travel with a buddy.
-- Pay attention to all traffic signals and crossing guards along the way. Never cross the street against a stop light.
-- Always wear a helmet when riding a bicycle, it is required on base.
-- Avoid ill-fitting clothing that could get caught in spokes or pedals or restrict movements, and wear reflective colors and material to be more visible to street traffic.
-- Walk your bicycle across all intersections. 

Tips for drivers and passengers
-- Everyone in the car must wear a seatbelt, it's the law.
-- Slow down! Especially in school zones and during peak school traffic hours.
-- Make sure babies and young children are in safety seats at all times, and that safety seats have been properly installed.
-- Remind teenagers to take extra precautions if they are driving to school or riding with another teenage driver. 

Tips for college-bound students
Young adults will soon leave the nest, possibly for the first time, to experience the world on their own. This new experience starts with a "Road Trip." Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teens in the United States, according to NHTSA. The risk of crashes is higher among 16- to 20-year-olds than among any other age group and young adults are less likely to be buckled up than any other age group.
-- Before packing the car, do a simple safety check. Turn on the lights and walk around the vehicle to ensure that all lights are in working order. Also check turn signals and look for any fluid leaks or things hanging from the vehicle. Make sure the tires are properly inflated.
-- When packing your belongings in the car, make sure you pack carefully so there is nothing blocking your view through the rear window. Check your mirrors before you leave to be sure you have an unobstructed view of the road.
-- Prepare an emergency supply kit for your vehicle and keep it in your car at all times. Include a first aid kit and manual as well as items such as a blanket, flares, a flashlight and batteries, jumper cables that can be helpful and may even be lifesaving in the event of an emergency.
-- No matter how far your trip is, be sure you are well rested before you hit the road. 

Day of the trip
-- Leave early and give yourself enough time to travel at a comfortable pace. Remember, speeding does not increase your ability to arrive on time; it only increases your chances of not arriving at all.
-- Should you find yourself getting tired from the drive, pull over at a rest stop or gas station to walk around and refresh yourself.
-- Do not talk on your cell phone while driving. Phones are distracting and impair your ability to concentrate on the road. If you must use the phone, pull over to a safe, well-lit parking lot and place your call there or at least use a hands-free earpiece.
-- When driving in inclement weather such as rain storms, reduce your speed. Don't make sudden moves if the roads are wet. Applying the brakes slowly and steadily will help you keep better control of your vehicle.
-- And, remember to always wear your safety belt and require any passengers who ride with you to do the same.

(Information courtesy of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and American Red Cross)