Dear Readers: School is well underway, kids are outside walking to class, and of course the big yellow school buses are out and about. Here are some safety hints and rules for the road for the typical motorist, from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (www.nhtsa.gov):

• Always be watchful for kids walking, playing and darting about, especially when you are backing out of the driveway. Use caution.

• If you’re driving in an area you are not familiar with, look for clues like playgrounds and crossing guards, which will tell you that kids could be nearby.

• Slow down when the yellow lights flash on the school bus, and when the red lights come on, stop 20 feet away. Wait until the driver turns off the lights to proceed.

Getting kids to class safely is so important. Slow down and look around. Check out the school bus safety laws in your state. — Heloise

Dear Heloise: I use the trash can as a cleaning bucket. It serves a double purpose — to clean the floors and the trash can. The trash can will be clean and smell fresh. It’s also useful because I live in a small space, and I don’t have room for a bucket. — Robin M., via email

Dear Heloise: Why do the people who make ladies pajamas not always attach a pocket on every pair? We all need a tissue sometimes! I read your hints in the Bluefield (W.Va.) Daily Telegraph and find them useful. — Edna M., Peterstown, W.Va.

Send a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5001, or you can fax it to 1-210-HELOISE or email it to Heloise@Heloise.com.