DEARBORN, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Michigan roads are about to get more crowded as millions of students and teachers return to school.
As a result, AAA is launching its “School’s Open Drive Carefully” campaign, reminding drivers to slow down, eliminate distractions and obey traffic laws when passing bus stops and driving through neighborhoods and school zones.
Drivers can expect an increase in:
- Congestion – more drivers during the morning and afternoon commutes
- Pedestrians – students walking to and from school or the bus stop
- Buses – picking up and dropping off students
- Bicyclists –traveling to and from school
“Drivers should have a heightened sense of awareness from the moment they leave the driveway,” AAA spokesperson Adrienne Woodland said. “Students will be walking or pedaling throughout neighborhoods and alongside city streets, making their way to-and-from school or the bus stop. Many of them might not be looking for you, so make sure you’re looking for them.”
SCHOOL ZONES
According to a recent AAA survey of Michigan drivers:
- 53% drive through a school zone on their daily commute or regular driving route
Residents admit to doing the following risky driving behaviors at least once in the past 3 months:
- 40% admit to exceeding the speed limit while driving in active school zones
- 32% admit to using their hand-held cell phone while driving in active school zones
School zones are areas with extremely high vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian traffic. Children on bicycles can be unpredictable and can make sudden changes in direction.
When driving through a school zone, lower your speed and increase your awareness, to ensure you can respond to any potential hazards on the roadway. Remember, in Michigan it is illegal to read, type or text on your handheld mobile device while driving.
SCHOOL BUS STOPS
According to a recent AAA survey of Michigan drivers:
- 46% encounter school bus stops during their daily commute or regular driving routine
Residents admit to doing the following risky driving behaviors at least once in the past 3 months:
- 26% admit to driving around a school bus while its red lights are flashing
- 25% admit to cutting off a school bus because it’s driving too slow
“Driving around a school bus while its red lights are flashing is extremely dangerous,” Woodlandsaid. “Oftentimes the reason people illegally pass school buses is because they are in a hurry. Please allow yourself extra time on the road, so you are not tempted to take unnecessary risks on the road that endanger the lives of children.”
Motorists are required to stop when approaching a school bus that is stopped with its red lights flashing and STOP arms extended. There is only one exception, which is explained below.
School Bus Safety Tips for Drivers
- Prepare to stop when a school bus is slowing down and has its overhead yellow lights flashing
- Stop at least 20 feet away from school buses when red lights are flashing
- Slow down as you approach and while driving through school zones and residential areas
- Look for clues, such as safety patrols, crossing guards, bicycles, and playgrounds, that indicate children may be in the area
- Watch for children between parked cars and other objects
Safety Tips for Students at the Bus Stop
Children should arrive at the bus stop at least 5 minutes before the school bus is scheduled to arrive. Parents should teach them to play it SAFE:
- Stay a safe distance from the roadway
- Always wait until the school bus comes to a complete stop and the bus driver signals for you to board. Be alert and remove headphones so you can hear oncoming traffic.
- Face forward after finding a seat on the school bus.
- Exit the bus when it stops and before crossing the street take three giant steps from the side of the bus, then 10 giant steps ahead of the bus. Look to the driver for a signal to cross and then look left-right-left for cars before proceeding. Keep watching for traffic as you walk.
More information about the campaign can be found by clicking here.
