Michigan Could Change How Far Back Drivers Must Stop for School Buses

You see a school bus stop, the red lights start flashing, and the stop arm comes out. You stop. Pretty simple, right?

You would think, but apparently, some Michigan drivers still aren’t getting it.

Now, how far back you have to stop could change. And if you’re one of those drivers who blows past the bus, it could cost you a whole lot more.

Michigan Could Increase School Bus Stopping Distance

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According to WNEM, state Rep. Parker Fairbairn has introduced bills that would make drivers stop at least 50 feet away from a stopped school bus. Right now, it’s 20 feet.

That would give kids another 30 feet of space while they’re getting on and off the bus. Sounds pretty reasonable to me.

The plan would also add reminders to the front and back bumpers telling drivers to stay back 50 feet when the lights are flashing. Apparently, flashing lights and a giant stop sign aren’t enough for some people.

Michigan Could Raise School Bus Passing Fines to $1,000

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The fine could get a lot more expensive, too. Right now, illegally passing a stopped school bus can cost you $100 to $500. Under this plan, it would be $500 to $1,000. So you’d be starting at what’s currently the maximum.

Honestly, it’s ridiculous that we even have to keep having this conversation.

During a survey last year, Michigan bus drivers reported more than 2,000 illegal passes in a single day. One day. That’s a lot of people who apparently think their time is more valuable than a child's life.

I don’t think stopping farther back or paying a bigger fine fixes the real problem. Too many people are distracted and not paying attention. Then there are the ones who see the bus and just don’t care. It’s pretty sad when you think about it.