SCHOOL: It’s that time of year again, when big, lumbering yellow buses are taking to the roads to carry students back to school.

Today is the first day of school for Smethport and Kane area school districts, and the second day for Port Allegany Area School District.

Otto-Eldred School District starts on Monday, while Bradford Area School District, St. Bernard School and The Learning Center start Tuesday.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation reminds that motorists must stop at least 10 feet away from school buses that have their red lights flashing and stop arm extended. Motorists must stop when they are behind a bus, meeting the bus or approaching an intersection where a bus is stopped.

Here’s one you might have wondered about — motorists traveling alongside a school bus must also stop until the red lights have stopped flashing, the stop arm is withdrawn and all children have reached safety.

There are some pretty hefty penalties for people who don’t obey school bus safety laws. The fine is $250, five points on your driving record and a 60-day license suspension.

PennDOT had some reminders for students and parents, too.

When waiting for the bus, stay away from traffic. To make sure you are far enough away, take five giant steps away from the curb or roadway. Never run after a bus.

Never push when getting on or off the bus. When the school bus is moving, always stay in your seat. Never put your head, arms or hands out the window.

Never cross the street behind the school bus.

And if you leave something on the bus or drop something outside of the bus, don’t go back for it. The driver might not see you and begin moving the bus.

Get to the bus stop five minutes early so you won’t have to run across the road to catch the bus.

Traffic is usually slower and more congested during the first few days of the school year. We know that patience can wear thin, but keep in mind, the safety of our children is at stake.