With the school year starting up around the Thumb area, local law enforcement agencies wish to remind citizens to be safe and vigilant while driving around school buses.
In addition to slowing down in or near school and residential areas, drivers are encouraged to look for clues, such as safety patrols, crossing guards, bicycles and playgrounds, that indicate children might be in the area. Also, don’t forget to watch for children and general pedestrians between parked cars and other objects.
If you see a slowing bus with its overhead yellow lights flashing, prepare to stop, with drivers needing to stop at least 20 feet away from buses when the red lights are flashing (unless driving in the opposite direction of a divided highway). Passing a stopped school bus could earn a driver a civil infraction carrying a fine up to $500, and up to $100 in costs.
If that driver hits and injures someone while passing a school bus, that infraction is heightened to a misdemeanor punishable by a $1000 fine or a year in jail. The punishment is further heightened if the accident’s victim is killed, with the passing driver facing a felony punishable by up to 15 years in jail or $7,500.
