Commencement exercises are over and area schools for the most part have closed their doors for summer vacation.

All across the Hawkeye State, young folks are now out of school and, therefore, present in nearly all parts of our communities throughout the day.

That makes it especially important that each of us resolve to keep our streets and highways safe. Youngsters can be expected to be present on or near roadways just about any time we might choose to drive.

Paying heed to a few safety tips can help prevent the summer months from turning tragic.

Observe speed limits and always drive with proper regard to weather and road conditions.

Wear seat belts and make sure children you are transporting wear theirs. Seat belts save lives and buckling up is the law.

Pay close attention to what is going on around you. With youngsters not in school, the chance that a child will dash into the path of a vehicle is real. Be ready to avert tragedy.

Avoid driving while fatigued.

Remember that alcohol and driving never mix. If you imbibe, make sure that the driving is done by someone who stays unimpaired.

Stay off your cell phones while driving and never even consider texting.

None of these admonitions should sound surprising.

Most of us have heard similar cautions before.

Even so, many accidents could be avoided if we all exercised common sense and made personal commitments to keep ourselves and others safe.

When school opens in the fall, let’s all make certain that we have done our part to ensure no seats will be vacant due to our carelessness on the road this summer.