‘Operation Safe Stop’ Targets Drivers Illegally Passing School Buses

This week, October 19th through 23rd, is School Bus Safety Week.

Police officers will be out on patrol this week looking for drivers who illegally pass school buses. 'Operation Safe Stop' has begun and reminds drivers to follow the laws with regards to school buses.

Don't be an impatient jerk! As schools are starting to open up all over Michigan, school buses are back on the roads making sure our kids get to school safely. I have seen this way too many times and it drives me crazy. I don't care how late you are in the morning, if you get stuck behind a bus, you'll just have to deal with it. Don't try and get around it. Most bus drivers are great at finding a spot to pull over to let traffic by. Just wait for that moment and don't try to pass the bus.

If you do become that jerk and try to illegally pass a bus, just know that you have a possible fine or ticket heading your way, which could include the following:

• Passing a stopped school bus could result in a fine between $100 and $500.
• Drivers may also be required to do up to 100 hours of community service at a school.
• If a driver passes a stopped school bus and causes a death, that driver is subject to a felony carrying up to a $7,500 fine or 15 years in jail.
• If a driver passes a stopped school bus and causes an injury, that driver is subject to a misdemeanor charge with up to a $1,000 fine or one year in jail.

Don't be a jerk and be patient. The kids are worth way more than your impatient self.

Source: Mid-Michigan Now