Schools

New State Law Increases Fines for Moving Violations in School Bus Zones

State organization reminds motorists to use caution when traveling around school buses.

The Michigan Association for Pupil Transportation (MAPT), on behalf of its members, reminds drivers to use extreme caution when traveling in school bus zones so students can safely load and unload each day. Unfortunately, thousands of vehicles illegally pass school buses in the United States every day, putting children at risk of injury or death.

"The safety of our students is our number one priority," MAPT Executive Director Gary T. Bubar said. "The best way that drivers can help protect our children is to stop when they see flashing red lights on a school bus."

In a one-day, 28-state survey conducted earlier this year by the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services (NASDPTS), an estimated 76,000 vehicles illegally passed a school bus. In Michigan, 8,500 school buses participated in the survey; 1,771 vehicles illegally passed a school bus with 936 incidents.

Michigan's Public Act 60 of 2011, which became effective July 1 of this year, increased fines and penalties for moving violations in school bus zones, similar to road construction work zones and emergency scenes.

“Children are our most precious resource,” added Bubar. “Getting them to school and back home safely requires drivers to be on high alert in school bus zones all year long.”

Michigan Association for Pupil Transportation press release


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