LANSING, Mich., Aug. 28, 2023 — State Reps. Nate Shannon (D-Sterling Heights), chair of the House Transportation, Mobility, and Infrastructure Committee, and Tyrone Carter (D-Detroit) introduced a three-bill package last week. House Bills 4928–30 will allow the installation of cameras on school bus stop arms to help enforce bus stop laws.
“As a former teacher and a father of three kids, it is important to me that students get to and from school safely. Michigan school bus systems are important aspects of the student experience and transporting kids to the classroom. Drivers who illegally pass stopped buses place kids at increased risk when crossing the street,” Shannon said. “When bus lights are flashing red and the stop sign is out, it is illegal to pass the bus, plain and simple. The legislation we introduced will serve to enforce the law, by diminishing the temptation to speed past buses and holding accountable those that do. The risk is not worth it. These bills will help keep our kids and communities safe.”
When school bus lights are yellow and flashing, it is a signal to the driver to be ready to stop. The stop should be at least 20 feet away from the bus when the red lights begin to flash. The majority of bus-related deaths and injuries involve pedestrians injured when they are exiting the bus to cross traffic. Those who pass stopped school buses may be charged with civil infractions carrying a fine between $100 to $500. Violators may also be required to perform up to 100 hours of community service at a school.
“The safety of our students must be a top priority,” Carter said. “When our children get on a school bus, we expect that they will remain safe. This legislation makes sense, and it supports the rule of law. As someone who worked in law enforcement for many years, I know how often people do not take a stopping bus seriously. It’s time we take further measures to ensure roads are safer and children can get home safe and sound.”