MONROE CO. — With school starting next week, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office is launching a School Bus Red Light Safety Campaign.
Sheriff Troy Goodnough says the goal is to remind drivers to stop for flashing school bus lights and protect children heading to and from school.
A one-day survey by Michigan school bus drivers last May showed more than 1,300 illegal passes in a single day. Nearly 50 of those were on the right side of the bus, where children are most at risk.
Drivers must stop for red flashing bus lights, no matter which direction they are traveling, unless it’s a divided highway. Vehicles must remain stopped until the bus stop-arm is retracted and the bus moves again.
Officials also urge drivers to slow down in school zones and watch for children crossing the street.