School’s Back In Session – Make Sure You Stop For The Bus
It's been a while so we wanted to take a moment to remind you of a couple of things.
School's back in session. And while some folks are doing the online learning thing, some schools are back in session with face to face classes.
That means kids getting on buses heading to and from school.
And that means reacquainting yourself with the law as it pertains to school buses and what that stop sign on the side of said bus means.
At least 500 people illegally pass school buses every day in Michigan. On May 8, 2019, at least 508 people illegally passed stop school buses, and that’s only counting the 1300 bus drivers who participated in an annual survey. The actual number is thought to be much higher. (WILX)
School bus safety tips for drivers:
- Prepare to stop when a slowing bus has its overhead yellow lights flashing
- Stop at least 20 feet away for buses when red lights are flashing, unless driving in the opposite direction on a divided highway
- Slow down in or near school and residential areas
- Look for clues-such as safety patrols, crossing guards, bicycles, and playgrounds-that indicate children might be in the area
- Watch for children between parked cars and other objects
- When overhead lights are flashing yellow: Prepare to stop
- When overhead lights are flashing red: Stop
- When hazard warning lights are flashing: Proceed with caution (Michigan.gov)
Drive past a school bus in Michigan that has it's red lights and stop sign flashing, that's a civil infraction and the law is HERE.
You could be liable for fines, costs, and up to 100 hours of community service.
Not to mention you could hurt or kill someone's child.
And some school districts are stepping their game up to catch you if you break this law and put kids lives in danger.
Cameras are now mounted on the stop arm of Holt buses. The cameras are set up to photograph high definition photos of any vehicles passing. The photos will be able to show the driver, vehicle and license plate. (WILX)