As children begin to head back to school, we must remind motorists: Be patient and be cautious.

Pennsylvania law requires motorists to stop at least 10 feet away from school buses as they have their red lights and stop arm activated.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation advises motorists: “Do not proceed until all the children have reached a place of safety.”

These laws exist for good reason — to help keep our communities’ children safe.

While we understand that children returning for school after summer break might be a change of pace for motorists from the previous few weeks and we also understand that the excitement for children themselves — and the impulsiveness that sometimes comes with excitement — may make it particularly important for motorists to be especially mindful for the first week or two weeks of their return, we hope they can respect that patience and caution are necessary components of safe driving throughout all 12 months of the year.

While caution and prudence are good recommendations throughout the day, they are particularly important in the coming weekday mornings and mid-afternoons, as youngsters head to school and as they return to their homes.

The state also offers sensible advice for students and parents — get to the school bus stop five minutes early so you won’t have to run across the road to catch the bus. 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. Talk quietly as to not distract school bus drivers.

Children play an important part in safety, just as parents and motorists do.

We hope that parents, children and motorists alike will take this advice to heart. The beginning of the school year, as we’ve noted, can be an exciting and happy time. We want to see it remain a happy and exciting time in every school district throughout our region.