Tips for drivers & school bus law reminders as kids go back to school

More than a million kids are going back to school on Monday and Michigan roads are about to get more crowded and hazardous.

AAA Michigan said this time of year is particularly dangerous due to the combination of inexperienced drivers, pedestrians, school buses and bicyclists who will share a road.

The organization reminds motorists to:

For Pedestrians

For Bicyclists

For Students at the Bus Stop

“Drivers should have a heightened sense of awareness from the moment they leave the driveway,” said Adrienne Woodland, spokeswoman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Expect more foot traffic in neighborhoods and along city streets. Since children can move quickly and cross the road unexpectedly, it’s important to constantly scan the road for people while driving and be ready to stop at a moment’s notice. You can reduce risk of injury by slowing down and avoiding distractions like using your cell phone or eating while driving.”In October 2021, two new laws went into effect to help keep children safe on the school bus.

The first makes it easier to ticket drivers who blow through the school bus' extended stop arm. Previously, police had to actually witness a car blow through a bus stop arm sign in order to give a ticket.

Under the law, drivers can be ticketed using exterior cameras on buses. Some schools already have the cameras, while others are now looking into the investment because of the new law.

Another law states that people cannot walk onto a school bus without permission. There are no trespassing signs on the door of the bus.

According to the Michigan Association of Pupil Transportation, these two laws were three years in the making.

If a driver is caught blowing a stop sign, or if a person steps onto a bus without permission, both offenses carry a fine of up to $500.

School bus safety is also at the top of mind. The State of Michigan has tips for drivers to keep children and drivers safe around school buses.