For Release 03/20/07

The Canton Police Department has been observing and receiving numerous complaints about motorists not stopping for flashing red lights on school buses. The biggest violation appears to occur when school buses are making stops on main roads such as Ford Road. According to Lieutenant Bob Kerr, "Cars are stopping that are traveling in the same direction as the bus, but cars three and four lanes over, traveling in the opposite direction, are not always stopping."

According to state law, when a school bus activates its red lights, traffic that is overtaking or meeting a bus is to stop. "The only time this does not apply is when a median is dividing traffic, such as on Michigan Avenue," Kerr stated. The entire law can be accessed atwww.legislature.mi.govunder MCL257.682.

Canton Police Department's Special Enforcement Unit will be strictly enforcing this traffic violation, and reminds motorists that school bus drivers can also provide information on violators for police to issue violations. A ticket issued for failure to stop for flashing red lights on a school bus carries a $225 fine and puts 3 points on your driver's license.

Flashing yellow lights on a school bus should be considered the same as a yellow traffic signal, warning drivers to prepare to stop. Kerr adds, "What drivers really need to remember is not only does running the red lights on a school bus break the law, it puts our children's lives in jeopardy."

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