This year, National School Bus Safety Week and Michigan’s Operation Safe Stop will be held Oct. 21-25. These campaigns are a great opportunity for school districts and other interested parties to address the importance of school bus safety within the community.

According to the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services, a survey of 2,013 Michigan bus drivers in May 2024 reported motorists passing a school bus illegally 1,362 times across one day. Of the 1,362 illegal passes, 46 were on the right-hand side of the school bus.

To promote awareness of how community members should properly handle driving around school buses, districts are encouraged to share the following safety tips:

• Prepare to stop when a slowing school bus has its overhead yellow lights flashing.
• Stop at least 20 feet away from buses when red lights are flashing, unless driving in the opposite direction on a divided highway.
• Slow down in or near school and residential areas.
• Look for clues such as safety patrols, crossing guards, bicycles and playgrounds that indicate children might be in the area.
• Watch for children between parked cars and other objects.
  

Operation Safe Stop is an enforcement campaign that runs concurrently with National School Bus Safety Week in Michigan. Districts in Michigan can participate in this statewide initiative by:

• Partnering with Local Law Enforcement: Collaborate with local police departments to organize enforcement campaigns and educational events in your district.
• Promoting Public Awareness: Use social media, newsletters and other communication channels to inform the community about the importance of school bus safety and the penalties for passing a stopped school bus.
• Educating Students: Teach students about school bus safety rules and the consequences of violating them.
  

“As a company, we’re doing our part to make sure there’s awareness around the flashing red lights on a school bus meaning stop,” said Patrick Dean, president of Dean Transportation. “We’ll continue to partner with school districts, law enforcement and others to ensure a safe environment for everyone traveling to and from school.”  

Additionally, Dean has school bus safety resources available on its website.