Sheriff reminds motorists to watch for students, school buses

By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief

Mason County’s public schools returned to classes today, Tuesday, Sept. 8, and Mason County Sheriff Kim Cole is reminding motorists to watch for children walking and bicycling to school and to pay close attention to school buses.

“Flashing red lights on school buses mean stop,” Cole said. “Traffic must stop from both directions, including traffic on the US 10 five-lane corridor. This isn’t a suggestion, it is the law.”

When the overhead yellow lights on a school bus begin flashing, motorists should prepare to stop. When the red lights flash, vehicles traveling in either direction must stop at least 20 feet from the bus and remain stopped until the bus resumes moving or the red lights are no longer flashing.

The exception applies to opposing traffic on a roadway physically divided by a raised median, barrier or other dividing section that impedes traffic.

When a school bus is using its hazard warning lights rather than its overhead red lights, motorists are not required to stop but should proceed with caution.

“Deputies will be looking for violators,” Cole said. “We take the safety of our kids very seriously in Mason County.”

Cole also reminded motorists to be alert for children walking along roads and streets, particularly near schools and bus stops.

“Pedestrians have the right-of-way when crossing the street with traffic,” Cole said. “If you are turning a corner and pedestrians are crossing that street, you need to stop and let them cross.”

Drivers should also avoid distractions, particularly mobile phones. Michigan’s hands-free driving law generally prohibits motorists from holding or using a mobile electronic device while operating a vehicle.

“It’s bad enough that phones cause a distraction,” Cole said. “Starting today, motorists need to pay extra attention to the road because of kids walking and riding bikes to school.”

Drivers who illegally pass a stopped school bus may receive a civil infraction carrying a fine of $100 to $500. More serious penalties can apply when an illegal passing results in injury or death.

Motorists should expect increased pedestrian, bicycle and school bus traffic throughout the morning and afternoon as the new school year gets underway.

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