SCHOOL BUS SAFETY: Bradford started school Monday and today is the first day for Port Allegany and Smethport, while Otto-Eldred students will board the bus and head to school for their first day Thursday. Safety is a high priority in Pennsylvania, and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation reminds motorists of Pa.’s School Bus Stopping Law:

— 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.

— Motorists following or traveling alongside a school bus must also stop until the red lights have stopped flashing, the stop arm is withdrawn, and all children have reached safety.

— If physical barriers such as grassy medians, guide rails or concrete median barriers separate oncoming traffic from the bus, motorists in the opposing lanes may proceed without stopping.

— Do not proceed until all the children have reached a place of safety.

For those convicted of violating the law, a $250 fine, five points on one’s driving record and a 60-day license suspension are possible.

Tips for students and parents include:

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

— When waiting for the bus, stay away from traffic.

— Never run after the school bus if it has already left the bus stop. Never push when getting on or off of the school bus.

— Be aware — cross with care! Wait until the school bus has stopped all traffic before stepping out onto the road.