Michigan Auto Accident Lawyers

The Danger of Driving Near School Buses

Even though the Michigan State Police name school buses as the safest way to get children to and from school, there is still an extra need for drivers to be cautious around school buses.

This is primarily because school buses always involve picking up and dropping off children, who are both the most vulnerable and difficult to see due to their small size while also being notoriously unpredictable.

So when you combine children’s unpredictable, vulnerable nature with the fact that there may be 78 students on just one bus, and the possibility of an accident involving a school bus becomes very real.

That’s why drivers need to be extra cautious when driving around school buses, which is why there are specific school bus laws in Michigan that promote the safety of everyone involved.

School Bus Safety Laws in Michigan

The safety of children and others on a school bus can’t be left to chance. So to help ensure that everyone involved makes it to school and back safely, Michigan has established a number of laws.

An important law that protects children is the Michigan Pupil Transportation Act, which establishes how to safely pick up and drop off students, how they should cross the road, where they are to be dropped off and picked up, and other important procedures that promote safety.

There are also important Michigan laws for drivers. For example, Section 257.682 of the Michigan Vehicle Code requires drivers to follow these rules:

• Drivers must stop at least 20 feet away from buses when its red lights are flashing and stop arm is extended, unless they are driving on the opposite side of a divided highway
• If drivers don’t stop for red flashing lights or who pass a bus with its red lights activated, it is considered a civil infraction
• School buses may be equipped with cameras on their stop arms to record and document any drivers who violate this law, which can be used against them by law enforcement

Drivers who violate this law and pass a bus with its red lights flashing may be fined $100-$500, which is doubled if this takes place while in a school zone.

Drivers may also receive up to three points on their license due to improper passing, according to Section 257.320a of the Michigan Vehicle Code.

What School Bus Lights Mean for Michigan Drivers

Even though there are laws in Michigan that require drivers to stop for a bus’ red signal lights, there are also yellow lights and hazard lights on a Michigan school bus. These lights signal different actions from drivers.

Here’s what these lights mean for Michigan drivers:

Yellow flashing lights
As the bus approaches the next stop on its route, the driver activates their flashing yellow lights on the roof and on both sides of the rear of the bus. These lights indicate to other drivers that the bus is preparing to stop.

When drivers see these flashing lights, they too should prepare to stop. However, Michigan law does not specifically prohibit motorists from passing a bus while its yellow lights are flashing.

Red flashing lights
When a bus has its stop arm extended with its red flashing lights activated, it indicates to everyone around them that it is dropping off passengers. Drivers must stop at least 20 feet from the bus and are not permitted to pass a bus with its red lights flashing.

Hazard lights
At times, a Michigan school bus needs to be stopped for an extended period. In these cases, the bus driver will likely turn their hazard lights on.

If you see a school bus with hazards on, you are allowed to go around it as long as you do so cautiously and attentively.

How to Avoid Accidents When Driving Around School Buses

Even though there are laws in place that make dangerous driving around school buses illegal, drivers need to be proactive about driving safely to minimize accidents around school buses.

Our accident attorneys have identified these practical steps to help drivers minimize or even eliminate the possibility of an accident involving a school bus:

Always be prepared to stop
Even if it seems like a school bus just stopped, it may be stopping again soon–in as little as 200 feet from the previous stop, according to the Michigan Pupil Transportation Act. Being ready to stop will allow you to brake sooner and provide the space needed avoid any accidents.

Drive slower and with increased caution
Children can be especially energetic in the afternoon after a full day in school, which can cause them to disregard any safety measures or crossing guard direction and run dangerously into the road.

Driving slowly and cautiously around school buses and in residential areas will help you to be ready for anything, even the unexpected.

Remember that you should always assume a child may be quickly running to or from a school bus, even though you don’t see any children at the moment.

Just don’t pass
While it’s extremely dangerous and illegal to pass a Michigan school bus with its red lights flashing and stop arm extended, it’s not technically illegal to do so with its yellow lights flashing.

However, the yellow lights can turn into red lights within a second, possibly as you are in the middle of passing the bus. This can make you guilty of a civil infraction.

Not only that, but you may not see oncoming traffic as you begin to pass a school bus due to its large size, which can lead to a head-on collision.

To maximize safety when driving around school buses, it’s always safest to be patient and not pass them.

Stay alert and avoid distractions
It can take a child less than half a second to run out onto the road and into the path of your car. Children may also do unexpected things like take shortcuts between cars or other objects to get to a bus stop, which can hide them from sight until they are on the road in front of you.

Knowing that a pedestrian may suddenly appear around school buses, drivers need to stay alert and on the lookout for any child, crossing guard, or school bus staff.

Look for clues that indicate a child may be near, such as bicycles, playgrounds, crossing guards, or street signs about children.

Staying alert behind the wheel also means avoiding distractions such as calling or texting, eating, applying makeup, adjusting the radio, or anything else while driving near a school bus.

Want More Info About Avoiding Motor Vehicle Accidents Around School Buses?

Kajy Law has provided the legal help drivers need after their Michigan car accident–which includes Southfield car accidents, Detroit car accidents, and everywhere else they occur.

As a result, we’re ready to provide the free answers you need–all you have to do is call us or fill out our contact form to talk with our car accident lawyers.

Contact Our Michigan Car Accident Attorneys

Our auto accident lawyers are ready to provide the answers you’re looking for and the help you need after a Michigan car accident.

From start to end, we’ll be there with you at every step as we provide the practical assistance you need to take back control of your life while we work hard to get you the largest settlement possible.

Call us today at 248-702-6641 or use the contact form below to set up a free accident consultation.