Adrian, MI – With Lenawee County schools back in session this week, it is important for motorists to remember the traffic rules for school buses.
Two of the safety features on buses are flashing red lights and stop-sign arms. A ‘Stop Arm’ refers to the stop-sign that extends from the left side of the bus when the red flashing lights are activated. Every state, including Michigan, has stop-arm laws to protect children who are getting off and on a school bus by making it illegal for drivers to pass a school bus while dropping off or picking up passengers.
Michigan law requires that the operator of a vehicle overtaking or meeting a school bus that has stopped and is displaying the ‘Stop Arm’ and flashing red lights shall bring the vehicle to a full stop not less than roughly one full car length from the school bus and shall not proceed until the school bus resumes motion or the visual signals are no longer activated.
Violating the law can lead to hefty fines and, if someone is injured or killed, a lengthy prison sentence. Recognizing the difficulty in holding these drivers accountable, an October 2021 addition to Michigan law allows for the use of ‘Stop Arm Cameras.’
Tune into our local and state newscasts, anytime day or night, for this story and more.
#wlenradio #wlennews #lenaweenews