With school back in session, drivers will see more buses and children on the roads. Keeping kids safe depends on staying alert and following the rules for sharing the road safely. The highest risk comes when students are boarding or leaving the bus. This guide will discuss what the flashing bus lights mean, Michigan’s school bus laws, and tips for staying safe around buses.

What the Flashing Lights Mean

School buses use flashing lights to signal drivers when they are about to stop or when students are getting on or off:

• Yellow (amber) flashing lights mean the bus is preparing to stop. Slow down and be ready to stop.
• Red flashing lights with an extended stop-arm mean the bus is stopped for loading or unloading students. You must come to a complete stop until the red lights turn off, the stop-arm retracts, and the bus starts moving again.

Failing to stop when required is illegal and puts children at serious risk.

Michigan Laws & Driver Requirements

According to the Michigan State Police, drivers must:

1. Stop at least 20 feet from a school bus when its red lights are flashing and the stop-arm is extended, whether approaching from the front or the back.
2. Remain stopped until the red lights turn off and the bus starts moving.
3. Slow down when the yellow or amber lights come on, as this means the bus is about to stop.

These rules do not apply if you are driving in the opposite direction on a divided highway with a physical barrier. Drivers who pass a stopped school bus can face fines of up to $500 and community service.

Why Stopping Matters

Stopping for school buses saves lives. Children can be unpredictable and cross the road unexpectedly, and passing a stopped school bus puts them at risk of being hit. The National Safety Council reports that most fatalities in bus-related incidents occur when kids are walking and are often hit by drivers who fail to stop.

Safe Driving Tips Around School Buses

You can help keep kids safe and prevent crashes by following these tips:

1. Stay alert during pick-up and drop-off hours, especially early morning and mid-afternoon.
2. Avoid distractions. Put your phone away and focus on the road near school zones and bus stops.
3. Slow down in poor weather, such as rain or snow, or low light when visibility is limited.
4. Watch for kids who may cross suddenly near bus stops or run out from between parked cars.

Conclusion

By staying alert, following the law, and driving carefully, you help ensure children get to and from school safely. Remember, flashing yellow lights mean it is time to slow down, whereas flashing red lights indicate that you must stop until the bus moves again.